PKK disbandment sees the end of armed struggle in north Iraq

The conflict between the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and Turkey’s military has ended in north Iraq, Middle East Eye reported on May 16th.

The PKK announced they were officially dissolving on May 12th after negotations between Turkey and the jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, who in February announced the armed struggle was circumstance of the past.

The development has led to a de-facto ceasefire in north Iraq, security sources told Middle East Eye. While Turkey has not formally announced a ceasefire, military operations have significantly decreased, with only peripheral incidents reported, especially in the Gara mountains and rural Dohuk.

The PKK, headquartered in Iraq’s Qandil mountains, had long used north Iraq as a base after being pushed out of Turkey in recent years. Despite advanced Turkish drone surveillance, the group had maintained a presence in areas like Metina and Zap.

Turkish officials said there are plans to get weapons from the PKK and its Syrian and Iranian affiliates in coordination with the nations’ respective governments.

In Iraq, the evacuation of PKK bastions will be carried out through talks with Baghdad under current security agreements.

Last year, the Iraqi government officially banned the Kurdish separatist group after it conducted decades of insurgency against Turkey,  The New Arab reported. This move signaled an alignment between Baghdad and Ankara that the “PKK organisation represents a security threat to both Turkiye and Iraq”.

In Syria, Ankara is seeking the disarmament and legal merge of PKK-linked groups into Syria’s government, following a March agreement. Confidence-building steps could include transferring control of border posts to Syrian authorities and the PKK’s withdrawal from Arab-majority areas.

In Iran, Turkish officials expect cooperation in dismantling PJAK, the PKK’s affiliate from Iran, although it is not viewed as an immediate threat to Turkey.

Within Turkey, officials estimate only 50 to 100 militants remain. Those without criminal records may be permitted to return home. The government also hinted at legal reforms that could allow for the release of elderly or non-violent offenders jailed for PKK-related charges.

Ankara will oversee the disarmament process over the next three to four months. In return, Ocalan could be granted standard prisoner rights, including access to lawyers and family visits – privileges he has long been denied.

Middle East Eye, The New Arab