PKK group to disarm, potentially ending decades-long conflict in Türkiye

Move follows February appeal by jailed leader Abdullah Ocalan and signals major shift in regional dynamics

DIYARBAKIR, Türkiye (MNTV) — The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has announced plans to disband and disarm, marking what could be the end of a four-decade armed conflict with the Republic of Türkiye that has claimed tens of thousands of lives.

The announcement was made on Monday through the Firat News Agency, a media outlet aligned with the PKK, following the conclusion of the group’s 12th congress in northern Iraq. 

The congress reportedly featured a statement from jailed PKK founder Abdullah Ocalan, reiterating his February call for the group to lay down arms and embrace a political solution.

“The PKK has completed its historical mission,” read a statement released by the group. “The 12th PKK Congress has decided to dissolve the PKK’s organizational structure and end its method of armed struggle. 

As a result, activities carried out under the name ‘PKK’ were formally terminated.”

Turkish government officials welcomed the development with caution. “If the new PKK decision is fully implemented, shutting down all PKK branches and illegal structures, it will be a turning point,” said Ömer Çelik, spokesman for Türkiye’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP).

The PKK’s statement highlighted that the Kurdish people “will understand the decision to dissolve the PKK and end the armed struggle better than anyone else” and called on Kurdish political and civil actors to assume responsibility for advancing democratic reforms.

While the announcement could herald a new era of peace in the region, questions remain regarding the fate of PKK fighters and whether the disarmament process will extend to affiliated groups in Syria. Details of the peace framework have not yet been made public.