Wanted PKK terrorist surrenders in eastern Turkey

ANKARA

A senior-level PKK terrorist on Turkey's official wanted list surrendered after she was persuaded by Turkish security officials, the Interior Ministry said in a statement on Friday.

The ministry identified the terrorist as Selma Oguz, codenamed Rojen Diren.

She was wounded on July 27 during a counter-terrorism operation in Bitlis province in eastern Turkey in which three terrorists were "neutralized".

Turkish authorities often use the term "neutralized" in statements to imply the terrorists in question surrendered or were killed or captured.

Oguz was wounded during the operation and laid down her weapons and surrendered after being convinced by counter-terror units.

She was on the Interior Ministry's wanted terrorist list with a bounty of 300,000 Turkish liras ($53,000) on her head.

According to a recent Interior Ministry report, more and more PKK terrorists have been laying down their arms and surrendering amid rising pressure by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), aided by armed drones.

The Turkish state usually gets in touch with the terrorists’ family members to help realize their surrender.

Over 400 PKK terrorists have surrendered in the past three years after being persuaded by either Turkish officials or family members, according to the Interior Ministry.

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 many women, children and infants.