### Historic Withdrawal of PKK Forces from Turkey: A Step Towards Peace The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a militant group recognized as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union, has announced a significant withdrawal of its fighters from Turkey to northern Iraq. This move is part of a broader peace initiative aimed at resolving decades of conflict between the PKK and the Turkish government. The announcement was made on October 26, 2025, during a statement in the Qandil Mountains of Iraq, where the PKK has maintained a stronghold. The group emphasized that this withdrawal is a crucial step in a coordinated disarmament process and urged Ankara to take legal measures to facilitate the peace process and allow for political participation [https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2025/oct/27/militant-group-withdrawing-from-turkey, https://oafnation.com/blogs/news/kurdish-pkk-militants-announce-withdrawal-from-turkey-as-part-of-disarmament]. ### Structure of the PKK Withdrawal Announcement 1. **Announcement of Withdrawal**: The PKK declared its intention to withdraw all forces from Turkey to Iraq, marking a pivotal moment in the peace process with the Turkish government [https://glob-news.com/en/kurdistan-workers-party-announced-the-withdrawal-of-troops-from-turkey.html]. 2. **Context of Disarmament**: This withdrawal is framed as part of a coordinated disarmament effort, following the PKK's renouncement of armed struggle earlier in May 2025 [https://www.firstpost.com/world/kurdish-pkk-militants-begin-pullback-from-turkey-amid-disarmament-13945208.html]. 3. **Call for Political Engagement**: The PKK has urged the Turkish government to take steps that would allow them to engage in the political process, emphasizing the need for legal protections to ensure the success of the peace initiative [https://hodhodyemennews.net/en_US/2025/10/27/pkk-militants-announce-withdrawal-from-turkey-as-part-of-disarmament-process]. 4. **Historical Significance**: This withdrawal is seen as a historic step in the long-standing conflict, which has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths since the PKK began its insurgency in the 1980s [https://www.tbsnews.net/world/kurdish-rebel-group-pkk-starts-withdrawing-fighters-turkey-iraq-1269546]. ### Supporting Evidence of the PKK Withdrawal - **Timeline of Events**: - **May 2025**: PKK officially renounces armed struggle. - **October 26, 2025**: PKK announces the start of the withdrawal process from Turkey to Iraq [https://www.aninews.in/news/world/europe/kurdish-pkk-to-withdraw-its-fighters-from-turkiye-to-iraq20251027062555]. - **Statements from PKK Leaders**: Senior figures within the PKK have publicly stated their commitment to the peace process and the importance of this withdrawal for future political engagement [https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/world/kurdish-pkk-to-withdraw-its-fighters-from-turkiye-to-iraq]. - **International Reactions**: The announcement has garnered attention from various international observers, highlighting its potential impact on regional stability and peace efforts [https://www.wsls.com/news/world/2025/10/26/kurdish-rebel-group-pkk-says-it-is-withdrawing-its-fighters-from-turkey-to-iraq]. ### Conclusion: A New Chapter in Turkish-Kurdish Relations The PKK's decision to withdraw its forces from Turkey to Iraq represents a **critical juncture** in the ongoing peace process between the Kurdish group and the Turkish government. This move is not only a step towards disarmament but also a call for political dialogue and engagement. 1. **Withdrawal as a Peace Initiative**: The PKK's withdrawal is framed as a necessary step to foster peace and stability in the region [https://www.turkiyetoday.com/nation/pkk-terror-group-says-withdrawing-members-from-turkiye-amid-ongoing-peace-talks]. 2. **Legal Protections Needed**: The PKK has emphasized the importance of legal measures from Ankara to protect the peace process and facilitate their political participation [https://www.dhakatribune.com/world/europe/394849/kurdish-pkk-says-withdrawing-all-forces-from]. 3. **Potential for Future Engagement**: The success of this withdrawal and the subsequent peace process will depend on the Turkish government's response and willingness to engage with the PKK politically [https://www.aninews.in/news/world/europe/kurdish-pkk-to-withdraw-its-fighters-from-turkiye-to-iraq20251027062555]. This historic withdrawal could pave the way for a new era in Turkish-Kurdish relations, contingent upon mutual cooperation and commitment to peace.