PKK Officially Begins Disarmament Process in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region

Kokcha News Agency reports that Turkey is taking a decisive step toward its long-standing goal of establishing a terror-free homeland. Following the call initiated by MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli and supported by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s firm stance, the PKK has officially begun the phased disarmament process.

The process kicked off today near Dukan district, located only 70 km from Suleymaniye and under the control of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KYB). A significant number of press members, journalists, and politicians from Turkey and Iraq gathered at a hotel close to Dukan Lake, where the first group of militants handed over their weapons in a symbolic ceremony. The entire disarmament is expected to be completed by the end of September.

Background and Political Process:
President Erdoğan initially announced the ‘Terror-Free Turkey’ target on October 30, emphasizing the importance of the national unity and political will to end decades of terror. The process gained momentum with the visit to İmralı on December 28, following the permission from the Justice Ministry, where the Democratic Party (DEM) representatives held their first meeting with the PKK.

This was followed by numerous meetings between PKK representatives and Turkish officials, including parliamentary leaders such as Numan Kurtulmuş and Devlet Bahçeli. The process also involved direct contacts with İmralı, where the PKK was called to disband itself.

The atmosphere intensified in March and April, with high-level visits and public meetings. Notably, the third meeting at İmralı was held on February 27, immediately after which the PKK officially declared its decision to disband and surrender its weapons in May.

On the second day of Eid al-Adha, significant political figures, including President Erdoğan and opposition leader Sırrı Süreyya Önder—whose passing on May 3 with health issues marked a somber moment—had crucial meetings. Önder’s death was a setback but the process moved forward steadily.

In the same period, the PKK held a congress from May 5-7, reaffirming its disbandment decision on May 12. Subsequent visits by the DEM Party delegation to İmralı and continuous high-level talks, including Erdoğan’s meetings with DEM representatives in April and July, exemplify the ongoing meticulous coordination.

On July 10, Erdoğan and Bahçeli reconfirmed their commitment to the process. The culmination arrived on July 11, as the PKK began the systematic handing over of their arms, opening a new chapter in Turkey’s peace journey.

This historic disarmament process signifies that Turkey has crossed a critical threshold—reducing the terror threat that has persisted for nearly fifty years. With ongoing measures and unwavering political will, the country moves closer to a peace and stability that had long been aspirational goals.