PKK announces withdrawal of fighters from border area to support ongoing peace talks

PKK announces withdrawal of fighters from border area to support ongoing peace talks

The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), now operating under the name Kurdistan Freedom Movement, announced on Monday that it has relocated its fighters from a mountainous area along the Kurdistan Region–Turkey border to deeper zones within the Region. The group said the move aims to prevent clashes with the Turkish military and to safeguard the developing peace process with Ankara.

According to the statement, the withdrawal was completed on the evening of November 16 and was designed to eliminate any risk of confrontation in the Zap region. The group emphasized that the repositioning fully removes the possibility of conflict in that area.

Movement tied to broader peace efforts with Ankara

The PKK described the redeployment as part of its broader efforts to ensure that the slow-moving peace dialogue with Turkey continues without interruption. The group said its earlier decision in October to remove its remaining armed members from inside Turkey was taken for the same purpose.

It added that the latest move reflects a practical contribution to what it calls the “Peace and Democratic Society Process” promoted by Abdullah Ocalan. In a February message, Ocalan urged his followers to disband the party structure and surrender weapons to create space for a political resolution to the Kurdish issue in Turkey.

PKK expresses hope for progress on Kurdish question

The group stated that it believes the latest withdrawal will aid efforts to resolve the longstanding Kurdish issue and support Turkey’s internal stability and democratization. It framed the step as part of a larger commitment to ending armed conflict and transitioning toward a political approach.

Turkey prepares legal framework for peace process

The announcement comes as the Turkish parliament moves forward with plans to create a legal foundation for the peace initiative, referred to by officials as a step toward a “terror-free Turkey.” A parliamentary commission responsible for this framework is expected to meet on Tuesday to discuss next steps.

There have also been calls from various political figures, including far-right leader Devlet Bahceli, for the commission to visit Ocalan as part of their work. The committee’s upcoming meeting is expected to determine whether such a visit will occur and how it may influence the broader peace process.