13.05.2025 12:52
The terrorist organization PKK decided to disband itself and end its armed struggle during a congress held on May 5-7, called by Abdullah Öcalan. So, did the organization make this decision out of the blue? Here is the behind-the-scenes of the process...
Following Abdullah Öcalan's call to lay down arms and dissolve itself, the PKK announced the results of the congress it held on May 5-7. The organization declared that it has laid down arms and ended all activities conducted under the name of PKK.
EMPHASIS ON "COMPLETING ITS MISSION"
At the congress attended by 232 so-called high-level executives, it was emphasized that the Kurdish issue has reached a point of resolution through democratic politics, and therefore it was stated that the PKK has completed its mission.
THEY POINTED TO THE GRAND NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF TURKEY
In the statement made, it was said, "We firmly believe that our people will understand the decision to dissolve the PKK and end the armed struggle better than anyone else, and will take on the responsibilities of the democratic struggle based on the construction of a democratic society. It is vital for our people to establish their own organizations under the leadership of women and youth, to organize based on self-sufficiency with their languages, identities, and cultures, to become capable of defending themselves against attacks, and to build a communal democratic society with a spirit of mobilization. In this context, we believe that Kurdish political parties and opinion leaders will fulfill their responsibilities towards developing Kurdish democracy and ensuring Kurdish democratic nationhood. The decision taken by our congress to dissolve and end the armed struggle provides a strong basis for lasting peace and democratic solutions. The implementation of these decisions requires the leadership of Önder Apo in managing and directing the process, the recognition of the right to democratic politics, and a solid legal guarantee. At this stage, it is important for the Grand National Assembly of Turkey to play its historical role with responsibility," it was stated.
SO WHY DID THE PKK MAKE THIS DECISION?
During a process where President Erdoğan stated, "Today we have crossed another critical threshold," the decision of the terrorist organization PKK to dissolve itself and lay down arms was not a decision taken lightly.
Here are three main reasons that forced the organization to make this decision:
- The Turkish Armed Forces changed the concept of combating terrorism with the operation they launched in the İkiyaka Mountains in July 2015, effectively nullifying the organization's operational capability within the country. After this date, the organization was gradually swept outside the borders and began to lose its ground inside.
- For the first time, Iraq recognized the PKK as a "prohibited organization" under pressure from Turkey. This decision was seen as an announcement to the world that Turkey and Iraq would act together against the organization. The PKK realized that it could not maintain its presence in Iraqi territory for long.
- The overthrow of the Assad regime, which was the PKK's biggest supporter, in Syria. This was the biggest blow to the organization. The PKK saw that the ground it thought it had rooted itself in was slipping away. It panicked and found itself in despair.