The Kurdistan Workers’ Party announced the withdrawal of its armed forces from the Zab region in northern Iraq adjacent to the Turkish border. This significant step demonstrates our commitment to the peace process,” the statement said.
“At the moment, the risk of conflict in this area has been eliminated. We are confident that this step will contribute to the resolution of the Kurdish issue and will bring peace and democratization to Turkey,” the document adds.
Numerous PKK camps were located in the area. The Turkish army regularly carried out airstrikes against them and carried out raids with the participation of special forces.
The Kurdistan Workers’ Party, recognized as a terrorist organization both in Turkey and in many Western countries, including the United States, announced in May 2025 its self-dissolution and cessation of the armed struggle against Turkey. In October it was announced that its units would be withdrawing to Iraq.
The armed conflict, which began in 1984, has claimed more than 40,000 lives. The Turkish authorities call the Peoples’ Democratic Party, which represents the interests of the Kurds, an offshoot of the PKK. About 10% of the state’s population traditionally votes for it.