The statement issued by the PKK on May 12, 2025 - announcing the end of its activities and the dissolution of its structure - has triggered significant resonance against the backdrop of a conflict that has lasted for many years in the region.
In the PKK’s statement, it is noted that the organization has ceased its armed activities and that “it is not appropriate to continue the struggle in other forms.” Although this is a rare declaration in the organization’s history, it should not be forgotten that similar statements were made in the past within the framework of ceasefires and negotiation processes, which ultimately failed to yield results.
PKK dissolution: Ankara responds with caution
Official statements have already been made by Ankara regarding the announcement. President Erdoğan and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan have described the PKK’s decision to disband itself as an important step toward a “Terror-Free Türkiye.”
Nonetheless, the issue is being seriously discussed both in the Turkish media and among security circles. Türkiye has suffered for many years from PKK’s terrorist attacks within the country and in border regions. For this reason, Ankara approaches any statement or reform attempts by the PKK with caution.
For Türkiye, the key issue is not just the declaration itself but its practical outcomes. In other words, it is crucial that the organization lays down its arms, ends its presence in border regions, and that affiliated groups also comply with this decision. Particular attention is being paid to the future stance of structures such as the YPG, which operates in northern Syria.
While the PKK’s announcement of its dissolution can be considered a hopeful beginning, time and close observation are necessary to assess its actual impact. Türkiye, as a country with extensive experience in counterterrorism, is understandably cautious in its approach to this matter for the sake of regional stability. If this development is followed by consistent and sincere steps, it could create opportunities for building a more peaceful and secure future in the region.
The bloody legacy of PKK terrorism
It should be noted that since 1984, the PKK terror organization has ended the lives of thousands of innocent people both in Türkiye and across the region. Through armed attacks, treacherous ambushes, landmines, suicide bombings, and rocket attacks, the group has targeted a wide range of victims—from villagers to government officials, women to children—opposing stability and unity efforts in the region for decades. According to official data, more than 40,000 people have died as a result of PKK-instigated attacks. The organization has not only targeted military objectives but also schools, hospitals, and civilian transport.
Its forced recruitment of youth and the displacement of villagers have been repeatedly condemned by international human rights organizations. The PKK's activities have been recognized both regionally and internationally as a clear example of terrorism. The crimes it has committed are a threat not only to one country but to regional security and human rights as a whole.
Dissolution of the PKK will take time
Turkish political analyst Alihan Limoncuoğlu stated in an interview with APA that the PKK’s self-dissolution would have a profound impact on Türkiye's politics.
He emphasized that the most important factor is how the dissolution process proceeds: “It is too early to make concrete judgments; we need to wait. But it is clear that this will deeply affect politics. The dissolution process will include steps such as handing over weapons, surrendering some members to Türkiye, sending others to third countries, and withdrawing from territories occupied in Iraq. Time will tell how sincere they are, but ultimately, we are dealing with a terrorist organization.”
According to Limoncuoğlu, one particularly important issue is to whom and how the PKK will hand over its weapons. Additionally, efforts must be made to prevent terrorists from joining affiliated groups in Iran and Syria.
PKK’s dissolution marks a new historical phase
Ayşegül Doğan, spokesperson for the DEM Party, stated that this marks the opening of a new chapter in resolving a problem that has caused deep social wounds over the past 50 years.
“The PKK has announced its congress decisions and declared its dissolution. We emphasize the historic significance of this decision. This is not just a dissolution process—it is a call for everyone to build a new structure and change. As the DEM Party, we underline the importance of this decision, and we also aspire to write a new history,” she said.
Ayşegül Doğan added that maintaining the dissolution process is essential, and said the party is aware of its responsibilities in this regard:
“We believe that all the work we will undertake in the coming periods will further strengthen the foundation for a peaceful life. We wholeheartedly believe that today’s decisions will bring good to all of us—especially mothers, children, youth, and future generations.”
By Faiq Mahmudov & Tural Asad
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