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PKK

PKK disarmament talks could reshape Iraq, Syria and Turkey relations - analysis

Both Iraq and Syria would benefit from having Turkish troops withdraw. Politics at home in Turkey can also be transformed. 

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Syrian Kurds hold up an image of Turkey's jailed militant leader Abdullah Ocalan as they gather after Ocalan called on his Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) to lay down its arms on Thursday, in Hasakah, Syria February 27, 2025.
Supporters of pro-Kurdish Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) display flags with a portrait of jailed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocalan, during a rally to celebrate Nowruz, which marks the arrival of spring, in Istanbul, Turkey, March 17, 2024.

Kurdish PKK dissolves after decades of struggle with Turkey, news agency close to militants says

The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant group, which has been locked in bloody conflict with Turkey for more than four decades, decided to disband and end its armed struggle.

|ByREUTERS
Syrian Kurds hold flags as they gather after Turkey's jailed militant leader Abdullah Ocalan called on his Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) to lay down its arms on Thursday, a move that could end its 40-year conflict with Ankara, in Hasakah, Syria February 27, 2025.

Victims of Turkey's Kurdish militant conflict long for peace

The PKK conflict has killed more than 40,000 people since it began in 1984, leaving tens of thousands wounded, including Turkish security force members, militants, and civilians alike.

|ByREUTERS
Syrian Kurds hold flags as they gather after Turkey's jailed militant leader Abdullah Ocalan called on his Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) to lay down its arms on Thursday, a move that could end its 40-year conflict with Ankara and have far-reaching political and security consequences for the region,

After 45 year, will the Kurdish-Turkish conflict in Iraq come to an end?

The jailed founder of a Kurdish nationalist group has called for the movement to lay down its arms, but Kurdish forces seem unwilling to as long as Turkish strikes continue.

|ByHUDHAIFA EBRAHIM/THE MEDIA LINE

Historic deal between Damascus and Kurdish-led SDF could transform Syria - analysis

The image of the two men meeting, having discarded their military uniforms and put on suits, illustrates how leaders can seize the moment and opt for peace over war. 

MARCH 11, 2025
The leader of the Syrian Democratic Forces signed a deal on March 11 with Syria’s new president Ahmed al-Sharaa

What does call for disarmament of Kurdish militants in Turkey mean for Middle East? - analysis

The big question now is whether the PKK will actually heed this call by Ocalan and if PKK affiliates will agree.

MARCH 1, 2025
A demonstrator holds a picture of jailed Kurdish militant leader Abdullah Ocalan during a rally in Diyarbakir, Turkey, February 27, 2025.

Kurdish rebels declare immediate ceasefire after jailed leader's peace appeal

If successful, the move could have wide-ranging implications for the region, while ending a conflict that has killed more than 40,000 people.

MARCH 1, 2025
ByREUTERS
Supporters of pro-Kurdish Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) display flags with a portrait of jailed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocalan, during a rally to celebrate Nowruz, which marks the arrival of spring, in Istanbul, Turkey, March 17, 2024.

Abdullah Ocalan calls on PKK to dissolve, regional leaders react

Regional leaders welcome calls for the PKK to lay down arms and dissolve.

FEBRUARY 27, 2025
ByREUTERS
Syrian Kurds hold flags as they gather after Turkey's jailed militant leader Abdullah Ocalan called on his Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) to lay down its arms on Thursday, a move that could end its 40-year conflict with Ankara and have far-reaching political and security consequences for the region,

Turkey says nine PKK fighters 'neutralized' in northern Iraq operation

The Turkish government frequently uses the term "neutralized" to describe combatants who have been killed, captured, or have surrendered.

FEBRUARY 19, 2025
ByTHE MEDIA LINE STAFF
KURDISH PROTESTERS carry flags and a banner with a portrait of jailed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocalan during a demonstration against Turkey’s military action in northeastern Syria in Zurich, Switzerland, this week

Ankara seeks to exert influence at its rival’s expense - analysis

Ankara seeks through attacks to drive a wedge between Syrian Kurds and the US.

NOVEMBER 2, 2024
THICK SMOKE rises from an oil-extracting facility targeted by Turkish shelling near Syria’s northeastern border with Turkey last week.

Turkey to reinforce military bases in northern Iraq after 12 soldiers killed

Turkish forces regularly carry out strikes in neighboring Iraq as part of the country's offensive against PKK militants.

DECEMBER 28, 2023
ByREUTERS
A Turkish soldier patrols in the southeastern Turkish province of Sirnak October 27, 2007.

Turkey 'neutralizes' Kurdish militants in northern Iraq airstrikes

Two attackers detonated a bomb near government buildings in Turkey's capital on Sunday morning.

OCTOBER 2, 2023
ByREUTERS
A TURKISH soldier waves a flag on Mount Barsaya, northeast of Afrin, Syria, in January 2018