The decision marks a new chapter in the armed conflict that has lasted over forty years over an autonomous Kurdish region, partly on Turkish soil.
The PKK has confirmed it will end its armed struggle and dissolve the organization. The decision is the result of long internal debates and a reaction to changing circumstances in the region. The PKK indicates it now wants to focus on political struggle, although details remain scarce.
The choice to lay down arms was partly influenced by the call of founder Abdullah Öcalan, who has been imprisoned since 1999. Through mediators, he reportedly urged the PKK to permanently cease its armed resistance.
The PKK acknowledges that its armed campaign is no longer viable in the current geopolitical climate. Changes within Kurdish communities in Syria and Iraq also played a role, forcing the movement to adapt its strategy.
The Turkish government has not yet issued an official response to the announcement. Previous attempts at negotiations have often stalled in the past, creating uncertainty about Ankara's potential reaction to this new development. It also remains unclear whether this will lead to talks on broader Kurdish rights.
The PKK's decision is expected to impact other Kurdish groups in the region. However, there are no indications that other militias will join this step in the short term. As a result, the impact of the decision remains limited to the PKK itself, while the broader consequences for the Kurdish cause are still unpredictable.
The PKK has announced it wants to transform into a political organization and continue its struggle through peaceful political means. How this transformation will take place and under whose leadership remains unclear. The PKK has disclosed no concrete details about the structure or objectives of this new political wing. In its statement, the PKK called on the international community to play a role in protecting Kurdish rights. This element was only reported by Financial Times and has not yet been confirmed by other sources.