70 migrants struggling to breathe rescued from minivan in Turkey's east
A total of 70 migrants who were struggling to breathe were rescued from a minivan by the gendarmerie in the eastern province of Van on Oct. 4. While two of the migrants were found dead inside the overcrowded vehicle, the remaining migrants were held by the security teams. The migrants included 37 Pakistani, 33 Afghan and two Iraqi nationals.
Duvar English
A total of 70 migrants who were struggling to breathe were rescued from a minivan by the gendarmerie in the eastern province of Van on Oct. 4.
The minivan was stopped as part of the authorities' efforts on preventing migrant smuggling and human trafficking, Van Governor's Office said.
While two of the migrants were found dead inside the overcrowded vehicle, the remaining 70 migrants were held by the security teams.
The migrants included 37 Pakistani, 33 Afghan and two Iraqi nationals.
At least three human smuggling suspects, identified by the initials as Ç.Ö., Ş.H. and H.Ö., were detained.
Turkey has been a key transit point for irregular migrants aiming to cross into Europe to start new lives, especially those fleeing war and persecution.