Afrin operation lands 'major blow' to PKK terror group

Turkey's ongoing Operation Olive Branch in northwestern Syrian town of Afrin has dealt a major blow to the PKK terror group, according to surrendered female terrorists.

The terrorists -- identified G.B ,18, G.K , 24, and Z.E, 24 -- surrendered to Turkish security forces in southeastern province of Sirnak on Tuesday and they are currently being held at a gendarmerie station in the same province.

They told Anadolu Agency that the PKK is panicking after the Turkish army's successful operations inside and outside of the country.

In the last six months in Sirnak alone, more than 40 PKK terrorists were neutralized and 103 others surrendered.

One of the surrendered terrorists, G.B said that she joined PKK at 14 and faced immense difficulties during the time.

G.B added that she regrets joining PKK, and many active members share similar feelings.

"There are many others, who want to surrender like me. We had to go hungry and thirsty [due to lack of food] in the organization so there were difficulties. When I faced them, I wanted to escape," G.B. said.

Hard times

"The organization was defeated in Afrin and felt demoralized. They fear loss. Because everyone knows that the organization will lose," she added.

She urged those who are in mountains to surrender, a reference to the terrorist group's hideouts.

"Those, who surrender, will begin a new life like us. Now I am very happy," she said, adding that Turkish security forces treated her well.

24-year-old G.K reiterated that Turkey's operation had hit the terror group hard.

"A large number of terrorists in the mountains want to surrender. But because of the pressures they cannot dare to do so. The upper-tier of PKK is enjoying the days, but those in the lower-tier are sent to fight," she said.

G.K stated that a new life has begun for her after she surrendered.

"With the Afrin operation, the organization realized the Turkish state's seriousness. In Afrin the organization received a major blow. PKK is depressed," she said.

Operation Olive Branch

On Jan. 20, Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch to remove YPG/PKK and Daesh terrorists from northwestern Syria's Afrin region.

On March 18, the 58th of the operation, Turkish troops and Free Syrian Army members liberated the town of Afrin while also neutralizing 4,497 terrorists.

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 death of some 40,000 people, including women and children.