Turkey arrests 17 YPG/PKK-linked terror suspects

DIYARBAKIR, Turkey

Turkish security forces on Wednesday arrested 17 people for their suspected links to YPG/PKK terrorist organization in the country’s southeast.

The arrests came after prosecutors in Diyarbakir province issued warrants for 19 suspects, according to a statement by the provincial governor’s office.

The gendarmerie forces carried out operation in Dicle, Lice, Hani, Kocakoy, Baglar and Kayapinar districts.

The operations are ongoing, the statement said.

Meanwhile, four YPG/PKK terrorists surrendered to security forces in southeastern Sirnak province, said a source who spoke on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

Three terrorists surrendered at Habur border gate, the source added.

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

*Writing by Erdogan Cagatay Zontur