Türkiye captures 55 smugglers, 1,626 irregular migrants in nationwide operation

Türkiye captured 55 human smugglers and 1,626 irregular migrants during the nationwide “Kalkan-32” operation, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced, emphasizing Türkiye’s ongoing commitment to combating irregular migration.

Key details of capturing irregular migrants

• In the first 10 months of 2024, Türkiye conducted 6,339 operations against human smuggling, resulting in the detention of 3,924 smugglers, many of whom were later arrested by judicial authorities.
• Türkiye’s migration policy focuses on respecting human rights and adhering to legal and civilizational values while maintaining public order and security.

Operation highlights

• The “Kalkan-32” operation targeted abandoned buildings, public venues, truck depots, transport terminals, and ports to catch irregular migrants.
• Over 402,000 identity checks were conducted by 29,000 personnel across 16,112 locations, including 4,840 abandoned buildings, 8,213 public venues, 487 terminals, and 2,572 other sites.

Ülke genelinde dün düzenlenen “KALKAN-32” operasyonlarında 13’ü yabancı uyruklu olmak üzere toplam:
⛔️55 göçmen kaçakçılığı organizatörü ve
⛔️1.626 düzensiz göçmen yakalandı.

2024 yılının ilk 10 ayında göçmen kaçakçılığı organizatörlerine yönelik; 6 bin 339 operasyon yaptık ve… pic.twitter.com/YS7fxtQUHo

— Ali Yerlikaya (@AliYerlikaya) November 29, 2024

Minister Yerlikaya’s remarks:

• Yerlikaya stated, “Our operations against irregular migrants and human smuggling networks will continue without interruption across the country.”
• Deportation procedures for the apprehended migrants are currently underway.