After decades of conflict and tens of thousands of lives lost, the Kurdish militant group PKK has announced a ceasefire with Turkey.
The announcement follows a rare message from the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocalan, who, from his prison cell on Imrali Island, urged his followers to lay down their arms and dissolve the group entirely.
Ocalan, who has been in solitary confinement since 1999, believes Turkey may finally be open to a peaceful resolution.
Armed Group To Dissolve
His call comes just months after Turkish nationalist leader Devlet Bahceli launched an initiative to end the insurgency.
While the PKK originally fought for an independent Kurdish state, its goals have since shifted toward greater autonomy and civil rights.
“None of our forces will take armed action unless attacked,” PKK’s statement added.
Turkey Welcomed The Call
In response, Turkey’s President Erdogan clarified that the ceasefire is welcome.
Still, if the PKK doesn’t follow through, military operations will resume.
Meanwhile, Kurdish communities gathered in cities like Diyarbakir and Van, eager yet uncertain about what comes next.
The PKK demanded improved prison conditions for Ocalan. The Turkish government’s stance? A cautious wait-and-see.
After years of failed truces, the big question remains—will this one actually hold?
