PKK terrorist on wanted list surrenders to Iraqi forces

File photo

Iraq hands over Merdan Rüştü Ovalıoğlu, listed in Interior Ministry’s category ‘grey’, along with four terrorists

Iraqi security forces handed over four PKK/KCK terrorists to Turkish officials after they escaped the terrorist organization and surrendered, the Interior Ministry said on Monday.

The statement said the terrorists were transferred to Turkey via the Habur crossing on Sunday.

Merdan Rustu Ovalıoğlu, codenamed “Leheng Dersi̇m” or “Adi̇l”, was among the four terrorists who turned themselves in.

Ovalıoğlu was in the grey category of the Interior Ministry's wanted list.

The wanted list is divided into five color-coded categories, with red as the most wanted, followed by blue, green, orange and lastly grey.

The ministry had offered a bounty of 300,000 Turkish liras (about $45,000) for Ovalıoğlu over being a member of an armed terrorist organization.

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.