Türkiye Plans to Complete PKK Disarmament by September
Ankara is aiming to finalize the disarmament of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), designated a terrorist organization by Türkiye.
The process is being overseen around the clock by Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT), with subsequent phases of the operation expected to proceed without media coverage. The disarmament will take place in a designated zone within Iraq.
Around 250 PKK leaders will be prohibited from entering Türkiye’s and Iraq’s border regions as well as northern Syria. While some may be relocated to third countries, Turkish intelligence clarified that they would not be allowed to gather in one place to prevent regrouping.
On July 11, the first group of 30 PKK members laid down their arms in Iraq’s Sulaymaniyah province, part of the autonomous Kurdish region.
The push for disarmament comes after PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan, currently serving a life sentence in Türkiye, called in February 2025 for all affiliated groups to end armed conflict and dissolve. The PKK, which has waged an armed struggle against the Turkish state for over 50 years, formally announced its decision to disband in May.
