"Terror-free Türkiye": PKK begins disarmament today

Today marks another significant milestone in the “Terror-Free Türkiye” movement.

According to Türkiye Gazetesi, the PKK will begin laying down arms today. Reports indicate that the complete disbandment of the organisation and the destruction of all its weapons will take three to four months. The event, taking place in the rural area of Sulaymaniyah in northern Iraq, is being coordinated by Ankara, Baghdad, and Erbil.

Due to potential provocations and security threats, the exact location of the event is being kept confidential. There will be no live broadcast of the ceremony; however, participants will be able to watch via video screens set up in other locations.

Following this event, the PKK will continue the disarmament process in stages. No similar events will be held during this period. Members of the organisation will surrender their weapons at designated centres—either in groups or individually—and will undergo registration.

The Turkish National Intelligence Organisation (MIT) and the Turkish Armed Forces have created a special verification mechanism to ensure the disarmament is not merely symbolic. Through this mechanism, the entire process will be monitored step-by-step. Weapons collected at designated centres will be destroyed using specific methods and will not be transferred to third countries.

• Alongside the disarmament process, depots used by the organisation as logistical hubs will also be destroyed.

• As the process moves forward, PKK camps will be emptied.

• Those not involved in any crimes will be allowed to return to Türkiye freely, if they wish.

• These individuals will not face any charges or legal proceedings.