Security forces capture YPG/PKK terrorists in SE Turkey

By Halil İbrahim Sincar and Muhammed Samil Aliagaoglu

MARDIN/SIRNAK, Turkey (AA) - Turkish gendarmerie and intelligence forces organized on Monday a joint anti-terror operation to capture a YPG/PKK terrorist in southeastern Turkey.

According to security sources, local gendarmerie and members of the country's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) arrested a member of the YPG/PKK terrorist group and another suspect in a dwelling in Mardin province.

Operations are ongoing to capture the owner of the house, sources said.

On the other hand, a YPG/PKK terrorist who escaped from the group surrendered to Turkish security forces in Silopi, Sirnak province on Monday evening.

According to security sources, the terrorist escaped from a YPG/PKK training camp in northern Iraq.

The terrorist surrendered to Turkish security forces at the Habur border gate.

YPG/PKK terrorists often use northern Iraq to plan cross-border terrorist attacks in Turkey.

In its more than 30-year terror campaign against Turkey, the PKK -- listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and EU -- has been responsible for the deaths of 40,000 people, including women, children and infants. The YPG is the PKK's Syrian offshoot.

* Writing by Fahri Aksut