Three more terrorists surrender to Turkish security forces

Turkey persuaded three more terrorists to turn themselves into security forces, the country's Interior Ministry said Wednesday.

Police and gendarmerie worked together to convince the terrorist to surrender, the ministry said in a statement.

Terrorists, who surrendered in Sirnak, eastern Turkey, were operating in Iraq and joined the terror group six years ago, it added.

A total of 144 terrorists have turned themselves into Turkish security forces so far this year thanks to persuasion efforts, the ministry noted.

The terrorists’ affiliation was not mentioned, but the terrorist PKK has been active in the region.

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 Erdogan Cagatay Zontur