VAN, Turkey

Two PKK/KCK terrorists laid down their arms in Turkey's eastern province of Van on Thursday, officials said.

According to a statement by the governor’s office, as part of the persuasion efforts by provincial gendarmerie forces, the terrorists who joined the group in 2014 (in Van) and 2015 (in southern Mersin province) turned themselves in to security forces.

With the latest additions, the number of terrorists who surrendered through persuasion this year has reached 232, according to the Interior Ministry.

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 Ahmet Gencturk