PKK terrorist surrenders to security forces in Turkey

ANKARA

One more PKK terrorist surrendered to security forces as a result of Turkish authorities' persuasion efforts, the country's Interior Ministry announced on Monday.

The terrorist joined the PKK in 2009 and was active in Turkey and Iraq, the ministry said in a statement.

The number of terrorists who have laid down their arms through persuasion efforts this year now stands at 172, it added.

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

According to Turkish officials, in recent years the terrorist PKK -- battered and demoralized by Turkish security forces' successful operations -- has been hemorrhaging members and failing to attract new ones.

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.