Interpol-wanted PKK terrorist surrenders to Turkish forces

ANKARA

A PKK terrorist was persuaded to lay down his weapons and surrender to Turkish security forces, the nation’s Interior Ministry said Tuesday.

The ministry said the terrorist, who was not named, was sought with Interpol’s red notice and surrendered after fleeing the terror group thanks to efforts by gendarmerie, police forces, and Turkish intelligence.

It noted that he joined the PKK in 2014 and conducted operations in Iraq and Turkey.

A total of 197 PKK members were convinced to flee the terror group and surrender to security forces so far in 2021.

In Turkey, offenders linked to terror groups who surrender are eligible for possible sentence reductions under a repentance law.

In its more than 35-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK – listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the US, and EU – has been responsible for the deaths of at least 40,000 people, including women, children, and infants.

*Writing by Ali Murat Alhas