Türkiye launches Operation Kalkan-34 to combat illegal immigration networks VIDEO

Türkiye has launched Operation Kalkan-34 to combat illegal immigration and target organized migrant smuggling networks.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya provided an update on the operation in a statement shared on social media platform X, Caliber.Az reports.

Ülke genelinde düzenlenen “KALKAN-34” operasyonlarında 15’i yabancı uyruklu olmak üzere toplam:
⛔️48 göçmen kaçakçılığı organizatörü ve
⛔️904 düzensiz göçmen yakalandı❗️

81 ilimizde 270 adet mobil göç noktası aracımız hizmet veriyor. Mobil göç noktasında: GöçNET veri tabanına… pic.twitter.com/xhUwbyyqR3

— Ali Yerlikaya (@AliYerlikaya) December 7, 2024

During the nationwide operation, 48 human smuggling organizers were apprehended, 15 of whom were foreign nationals. Additionally, 904 illegal migrants were detained. The repatriation process for those identified as illegal migrants is now underway, as outlined in the official press release.

This large-scale law enforcement effort underscores Türkiye’s commitment to combating irregular migration and dismantling smuggling routes operating within its borders.

Efforts to combat irregular migration and human smuggling were carried out across derelict locations, public entertainment venues, lorry garages, terminals, ports, and public transport stops and stations.

Thus, Türkiye serves as a critical transit and destination route for irregular migrants due to its geographical location and historical ties. The Middle East and regional instability have exacerbated migration flows, prompting Türkiye to adopt comprehensive strategies to combat irregular migration. These strategies include legal reforms, border security improvements, international cooperation, and addressing root causes of migration.

Türkiye actively engages with international organizations such as the IOM, UNHCR, and FRONTEX to strengthen joint migration control efforts. Key initiatives include readmission agreements with countries like Syria, Greece, and the European Union, ensuring safe returns of migrants while upholding human rights.

Moreover, legal frameworks such as the Law on Foreigners and International Protection and stricter controls on smuggling have been enacted to address illicit migration pathways. Türkiye's chairmanship of the Global Forum on Migration and Development highlights its leadership in global migration policy and multilateral cooperation.

By Aghakazim Guliyev