More than 291,000 Syrian refugees back to homeland

ANKARA, Dec 22 (KUNA) -- Turkish Minister of Interior Suleyman Soylu announced on Saturday the return of 291,790 Syrian refugees to the "freed lands" back in their homeland through "Euphrates Shield and Olive Branch" operations northern Syria.
"The Turkish forces arrested 251794 illegal immigrants trying to sneak into Europe during the current year," Soylu said during the second meeting of international coordination on irregular immigration.
He considered the geographical location of Turkey a key crossing road for immigrants to Europe, adding that Turkish coast guard forces and security forces are working sufficiently to prevent any illegal immigration.
The Turkish Army launched "Euphrates Shield" operation back in August of year 2016 and and "Olive Branch" operation last January to expel "terrorist militants" from Turkish lands, he said -- alluding to some Kurdish factions. (end) rs.lb