Turkish forces help 2 young terrorists flee YPG/PKK

By Lale Koklu and Salim Tas

HATAY, Turkey (AA) - Two young men, who had joined YPG/PKK terrorist organization at their very early ages, left terrorist ranks and reunited with their families.

The duo, who are 19 and 20 years of age, contacted their families via phone -- who are staying in Turkey -- to seek help in escaping the terrorist organization.

The families got contacted Turkish security forces to ensure safe return of their children. The security and intelligence personnel contacted the duo and helped them escape.

The two came to northwestern Syria's Afrin region from Tal Rifat town and surrendered to the Turkish security forces.

They were brought to Turkey's southern Hatay province, where they met their families.

The 19-year-old -- identified by the initials M.S.C., who joined the terror group when he was 15 -- reunited with his family after four years.

The father of M.S.C expressed his anger at the YPG/PKK terrorist organization and thanked Turkish forces for their help.

"Please, do not harm our state and nation! Come and take shelter in our state! May Allah help the people who want to escape from the terrorists," the father said.

The mother of M.S.C said: "Hopefully, everyone in the terror group escape and reunite with their parents. Children should not hurt the hearts of their mothers. They should come and surrender to our soldiers."

The 20-year-old, identified by the initials V.I., had joined the terror group five years ago. His father recalled the moments after his son disappeared.

“I filed a missing person report in all the provinces of Turkey, but I couldn't find him anywhere. Finally, after 5 years, he contacted me via phone. I tried to convince him and I got in touch with the security forces. Thankfully, he came and take shelter in our state,” the father said.

"My son told he had always wanted to come back but he was afraid of the terrorists in the group," the father added.

After first interrogation by the police, the duo were produced before a court and they were arrested on charges of "being a member of an armed terrorist organization".

The duo wanted to benefit from Turkey's effective remorse law by giving some significant information about the YPG/PKK terrorist group, an official told Anadolu Agency on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

The names of the terrorists and their parents were withheld for their security and privacy.

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 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.

*Wiring by Fahri Aksut