Turkish police detain nearly 1,000 undocumented refugees

On Thursday, Turkey’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported that 981 undocumented refugees were arrested across various cities during a joint operation conducted by the country’s security forces.

The operation, which aimed at identifying and detaining illegal migrants, also led to the arrest of 31 individuals, including nine foreign nationals, on charges of human trafficking.

Yerlikaya further stated on social media that 366,838 individuals were questioned during the operation, which involved more than 28,000 security personnel and covered over 15,250 locations. This large-scale operation is part of Turkey’s ongoing efforts to manage and control undocumented migration.

The detained refugees were transferred to detention centers, and the process for their deportation has begun. While the nationality of the detainees was not disclosed, the majority of refugees in Turkey come from Afghanistan and Syria, both of which are experiencing severe socio-political turmoil.

Turkey has implemented an ongoing nationwide operation, “Kalkan,” to identify and arrest undocumented refugees. The 35th round of this operation took place on Thursday, December 12, across various cities. These measures are aimed at addressing the increasing number of refugees arriving in the country, particularly from Afghanistan and Syria.

The situation for Afghan refugees in neighboring countries, particularly in Turkey, is increasingly dire. Many Afghans flee their home country due to security concerns, economic hardship, and the ongoing conflict exacerbated by the Taliban’s return to power.

However, upon arriving in neighboring countries like Turkey, they face a precarious existence marked by detention, deportation, and limited rights.

While Turkey has been a significant host for refugees, its recent crackdown on undocumented migrants, including those fleeing Afghanistan, is creating further uncertainty and fear for those seeking safety.

The forced deportations, coupled with harsh living conditions, have resulted in a tragic cycle for many Afghan refugees who seek a better life but instead find themselves in dire situations in foreign lands.

This underscores the broader humanitarian crisis affecting millions of displaced people in the region and highlights the need for international support and cooperation to protect their rights and provide lasting solutions.

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