MARDIN, Turkey

Turkish forces convinced one more YPG/PKK terrorist to lay down arms, security sources said on Saturday.

The terrorist surrendered to security forces in the eastern Mardin province after persuasion efforts by police and gendarmerie personnel.

Identified by the initials Z.O., the accused used the code name Zindan Amed since joining the YPG/PKK in 2015, according to the sources, who requested anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to the media.

He was wanted by Turkish authorities for being a member of an armed terrorist organization, they added.

Terrorist hideouts destroyed

Turkish forces also destroyed four hideouts of the YPG/PKK terror group in a rural area of Mardin.

Weapons, ammunition, digital materials, organizational documents, and other supplies were also seized in the operation, the sources said.

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. The YPG is the PKK's Syrian offshoot.

* Writing by Seda Sevencan