Kurdish PKK Announces Disbandment, Potentially Ending Decades-Long Conflict with Turkey

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In a significant development, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has announced plans to disband and cease armed operations, signaling a potential end to its prolonged conflict with Turkey. The announcement was made via the Firat News Agency on May 12, 2025, during a peace initiative with the Turkish government.

This resolution follows a party congress held in northern Iraq, where PKK leaders convened to chart the organization’s future. The congress, which took place shortly before the announcement, resulted in what the group described as a "historic" decision. A statement from imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan was presented during the meeting, reflecting his advocacy for disarmament and dissolution of the group, aiming to conclude a conflict that has reportedly resulted in tens of thousands of fatalities since the 1980s.

The PKK, which is regarded as a terrorist organization by Turkey and several Western nations, previously announced a ceasefire but stipulated that peace talks must establish a legal framework before full disbandment occurs. The organization emphasized that the Kurdish population will welcome the decision to embrace peace.

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