Counter-terrorism operation in London nets six suspects linked to PKK

Counter-terrorism police in London have arrested six individuals suspected of involvement with the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), a militant group banned as a terrorist organization in the UK, Türkiye, and the US. 

The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrests, made early November 27, following a significant investigation by its Counter Terrorism Command, Caliber.Az reports citing British media.

The detained include two women, aged 59 and 31, and four men, aged 27, 62, 56, and 23, all of whom were apprehended at separate locations. They are being held under the Terrorism Act and remain in custody at a London police station. Authorities have stated there is no immediate threat to the public linked to the case.

As part of the investigation, officers are conducting searches at eight locations across the city, including the Kurdish Community Centre in Haringey. These searches are expected to continue for up to two weeks, with the centre and its surrounding areas temporarily closed to the public. Extra police patrols have been deployed to reassure local communities.

Acting Commander Helen Flanagan described the arrests as stemming from “very serious allegations” and emphasized the importance of the investigation in protecting all communities, particularly Turkish and Kurdish populations. “I would urge anyone who thinks they may have been affected or targeted by those linked to the PKK to get in touch,” she added.

Meanwhile, in northern Iraq, Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) carried out an operation targeting a senior PKK member. Sadiye Muhammed Ahmed, also known by the codename Hevi, was neutralized in Sinjar, according to Turkish security sources. Ahmed, who had been active in the group’s operations in Syria and Iraq since 2001, was a key figure in the PKK's intelligence wing.

The term “neutralize” is used by Turkish authorities to indicate that a terrorist has been killed, captured, or surrendered. 

In its 40-year terror campaign against Türkiye, the PKK – listed as a terror organization by Türkiye, the US and the EU – has been responsible for the deaths of more than 40,000 people, including infants, women, and children.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

By Tamilla Hasanova