Turkey: YPG/PKK terrorist surrenders to security forces

MARDIN, Turkey

A YPG/PKK terrorist surrendered to security forces in southeastern Turkey, sources said on Friday.

The terrorist, identified by the initials I.B., turned himself in at the Habur Customs Gate in the Silopi district of Sirnak province after being persuaded by security forces, said a source, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

The terrorist, codenamed Huseyin, joined the terror group four years ago and has a criminal record, the source said.

Provincial gendarmerie command teams in Mardin province met with the family of the terrorist in the Kiziltepe district, he added.

Turkish security forces and families of terrorists have convinced at least 82 terrorists to drop their weapons this year.

In its more than 30-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 40,000 people, including women, children and infants. YPG is the PKK's Syrian offshoot.

* Writing by Gozde Bayar