Turkey Intercepts 712 Refugees Close to Border with Bulgaria

Turkish authorities intercepted on Wednesday 712 refugees headed for the EU in the northwestern province of Edirne near the border with Bulgaria.

The usual number of refugees intercepted in Edirne on a daily basis is 100-150, but the recent surge in their number was due to the announced plans of EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker to relocate 160 000 people.

The regional governor of Edirne stated that the authorities have started round-the-clock checks at the Kapikule border checkpoint at the frontier with Bulgaria, Anadolu Agency reports.

There are fears that the refugee wave will keep increasing and if things get out of control it could possibly reach up to 400 000 people.

Turkish security forces are working to prevent the entry of refugees into Europe not only at Edirne, but in many other border regions.

UN estimated that 1.9 million refugees from Syria have been registered in Turkey and the country has spent on them USD 5.6 B since April 2011.