PKK Announces End of 41-Year Conflict with Turkey

In a significant turn of events, the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) has declared the cessation of its armed struggle against Turkey, bringing an end to a conflict that has spanned over four decades. Founded in 1978 by Abdullah Öcalan and his associates, the PKK initially aimed to establish a Marxist Kurdish state, advocating for the rights of the oppressed Kurdish minority in Turkey.

The PKK's armed campaign began in 1984, marked by violent confrontations and targeted attacks. The Turkish military, having seized power in a coup in 1980, responded with severe force, resulting in tens of thousands of casualties during this protracted conflict.

Initially operating from bases in Syria, the PKK expanded its operations within Turkey itself. Öcalan was exiled from Syria in 1998 due to pressure from the Turkish government and subsequently found refuge in several European countries. In 1999, he was captured in Kenya by Turkish intelligence, leading to a life sentence on Imrali Island near Istanbul, where he remains imprisoned.

Despite Öcalan's imprisonment, PKK supporters continued the struggle, shifting their bases to the Kurdish-populated regions of Northern Iraq. The PKK has been designated a terrorist organization by the European Union, complicating its international standing.

In 2013, attempts at peace negotiations began, with the PKK agreeing to withdraw its fighters from Turkey in exchange for greater autonomy rather than outright independence. The organization's objectives shifted from seeking a separate state to pursuing extensive self-governance.

Over the years, the PKK has played a pivotal role in combating the Islamic State (IS) in both Syria and Iraq, contributing to the formation of local defense forces. Their involvement was crucial during the defense of Kobane, where they received military support from the United States.

However, the peace process faced significant setbacks, particularly in 2015 when hostilities resumed, and Turkish airstrikes targeted PKK positions in Northern Iraq. The Turkish government intensified its crackdown on pro-Kurdish political entities, notably the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), leading to the arrest of key party leaders, including Selahattin Demirtas.

In recent months, tensions escalated following a bombing incident in Ankara, which the Turkish authorities attributed to the PKK, prompting retaliatory military actions.

In February 2025, Öcalan called for a renewed peace process, urging the PKK to disarm. This appeal coincided with statements from Turkish officials, including President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, indicating a willingness to explore diplomatic avenues.

On May 12, 2025, the PKK leadership officially announced the dissolution of its armed units and the cessation of its armed activities, signaling a potential new chapter in Turkish-Kurdish relations.