By Ali Murat Alhas
ANKARA (AA) - Another member of the PKK terror group laid down his weapons after being persuaded by security forces in eastern Turkey, local authorities said on Thursday.
According to a statement by the governor’s office in Van, provincial gendarmerie forces continued operations targeting the terror group and trying to persuade its affiliates to surrender. One of the terror group’s members surrendered in the Ipekyolu district.
The statement further noted that several hand grenades and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were confiscated in a separate operation held in the Baskale district of the province.
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. The YPG is the PKK’s Syrian offshoot.