ANKARA – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared a historic breakthrough in his country’s decades-long conflict with Kurdish militants, stating that “Turkey has won” after members of the banned Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) began disarming in northern Iraq.
A symbolic disarmament ceremony took place near a PKK base in Iraq’s Kurdistan region, where around 30 fighters reportedly burned their weapons. The move follows orders from jailed PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan, who earlier this year called for the group to lay down arms and end its insurgency.
Turning Point in Turkey’s Internal Security
“This marks the end of a dark chapter,” Erdogan told his party’s supporters. “Eighty-six million citizens have won. The scourge of terrorism has begun to end.” The president hailed the development as a new beginning for the Turkish people and the region at large.
No Negotiations, Just Disarmament
While Erdogan firmly rejected the idea of negotiations with the PKK, he announced the formation of a parliamentary commission to oversee the group’s full disarmament. He also hinted at greater inclusion for Kurds in political life and promised support for initiatives promoting linguistic and cultural rights.
A Costly Conflict Nears Conclusion
The PKK’s armed campaign, which began in the 1980s, has led to more than 40,000 deaths and cost Turkey an estimated $2 trillion over four decades. The group is designated a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union.
If the disarmament proceeds as intended, analysts believe it could pave the way for greater stability in southeastern Turkey and neighboring regions in Iraq and Syria, where PKK-linked groups operate.
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