5 PKK terrorists surrender to Turkish security forces

By Selma Kasap

ANKARA (AA) - Five PKK terrorists have surrendered to Turkish security forces in southeastern provinces, according to the Turkish General Staff Monday.

In a statement, the military said four terrorists surrendered in Sirnak's Silopi district after they fled a PKK camp in northern Iraq; one more terrorist surrendered in Nusaybin district of Mardin on Sunday.

The PKK is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey as well as the U.S. and EU. In its terror campaign against Turkey, which has lasted for more than three decades, over 40,000 people have been killed.

Since the group resumed its armed campaign in July 2015, more than 1,200 people, including security forces personnel and civilians, have lost their lives.

Border troops held 789 people when they were attempting to enter illegally into Turkey from Syria, while 20 others were held as they attempted to cross the border into Syria, the statement said.

Separately, two people were held trying to enter illegally into Turkey from Iran.

Another 169 people were detained at the Greek border, the military said, adding 86 of them had tried to enter Greece illegally, while 83 others attempted to cross into Turkey.