3 PKK terrorists surrender to Turkish security forces

By Muhammed Boztepe

ANKARA (AA) - Three PKK terrorists, including one who had been in ranks of terrorist group for 21 years, surrendered to security forces in southeastern Turkey following persuasion efforts.

The terrorists laid down their arms in the Sirnak province after they were persuaded by police and gendarmerie forces in coordination with Interior Ministry, the ministry said in a statement.

According to the statement, the three terrorists joined the terror group in 1999, 2007, and 2009.

With the latest additions, the number of terrorists who gave up fighting through persuasion in 2020 has risen to 192.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US and the EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.

*Writing by Burak Dag