Turkey: PKK terrorists arrested after surrendering

By Aziz Aslan

SIRNAK, Turkey (AA) – Turkish security forces on Thursday arrested four out of five PKK terrorists who surrendered last week after being persuaded by counter-terror units, according to security sources.

The terrorists laid down their weapons and surrendered on July 25, said the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

One of them was on the Interior Ministry's wanted terrorist list with a bounty of 300,000 Turkish liras ($53,000) on his head.

Following interrogation by prosecutors, four of the terrorists were arrested for armed terror group membership.

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

According to a recent Interior Ministry report, more and more PKK terrorists have begun to lay down their arms and surrender amid rising pressure by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), aided by armed drones.

The Turkish state usually gets in touch with the terrorists’ family members to help realize their surrender.

A total of 408 PKK terrorists have surrendered in the past three years after being convinced by either Turkish officials or family members.

*Ali Murat Alhas contributed to this story from Ankara