Members of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) began formally laying down their arms in northern Iraq on Friday, marking the first concrete step toward ending a conflict that has spanned over 40 years and claimed tens of thousands of lives.
During a symbolic ceremony held near a cave in Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdish region, a group of around 20–30 PKK fighters burned their weapons in front of officials and local observers. Turkish, Iraqi, and Kurdish authorities were present to witness the event, which was described as the first official stage of the disarmament process.
The move follows a directive from Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned PKK founder, who earlier this year called on the group to dissolve and transition from armed struggle to peaceful political participation. In a video message released in June, Öcalan urged fighters to abandon violence and focus on democratic methods to advance Kurdish rights.
According to Turkey’s ruling AK Party, the disarmament process is expected to continue over the next three to five months, monitored jointly by Turkish intelligence, military personnel, and Iraqi officials.
The PKK, which began its insurgency against the Turkish state in 1984, is designated a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union. The conflict has resulted in more than 40,000 deaths, including many Kurdish civilians and Turkish security forces.
Friday’s ceremony included the burning of firearms and machine guns, intended as a public demonstration of the PKK’s commitment to ending its armed campaign. Observers described the scene as highly symbolic, with local Kurdish residents and activists gathering to witness what they hope will be a turning point in regional security.
In parallel, the pro-Kurdish DEM party in Turkey expressed support for the initiative and confirmed plans to engage with Ankara on future political and social reforms for the Kurdish community.
As part of the peace framework, Öcalan has also called for the creation of a parliamentary commission to oversee the disarmament and support reintegration efforts for former fighters.
Officials from both Iraq and Turkey have yet to release detailed statements outlining the next operational steps, but Turkish sources indicated that close monitoring will continue to ensure the group’s full compliance with the announced plans.
The disarmament is being viewed by international observers as a potential breakthrough for regional stability and a critical opportunity to reduce tensions between Turkey and its Kurdish population.
