PKK withdraws from Turkish border area in Iraqi Kurdistan

On Monday, Turkish security sources reported that militants from the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) had withdrawn from four camps in northern Iraq, as part of a lengthy process aimed at disarming the group. The militants evacuated "four shelters" in the Metina area, located near Turkey's border in Iraq's Kurdistan region. This withdrawal is believed to be the conclusion of the group's strategy to end its armed conflict with Turkey.

In the days leading up to this action, the PKK had evacuated "war tunnels" in the same area and withdrew fighters from Turkey.

While Turkey and the PKK have not specified where the militants will relocate next, the group is known to possess facilities both within federally-controlled Iraq and the Kurdistan region. In fact, the PKK's headquarters are situated in the Qandil Mountains. Last year, the PKK announced its withdrawal from other areas close to Turkey's border.

These moves are part of the dissolution process for the PKK, which has been engaged in a 40-year conflict with the Turkish state. The conflict resulted in over 40,000 casualties on both sides and significantly impacted Turkish society, with up to one-fifth of the population being ethnically Kurdish.

Turkey has consistently considered the PKK as its primary national security threat, designating the group as a terrorist organization alongside the EU and US. In August, Turkey's parliament passed legislation that sets forth a legal framework and procedures for the PKK's dissolution. This legislation may allow for the suspending of prison sentences and deferring trials for PKK members, provided their alleged offenses do not constitute severe crimes. Turkish veterans' groups have opposed such measures, though.

The ultimate goal is to achieve social reconciliation and bring an end to more than four decades of internal strife. According to Mehmet Ucum, a senior adviser to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the National Security Council expects to confirm the PKK's dissolution and disarmament by the end of this year. Pro-Kurdish politician Tuncer Bakirhan stated that some former militants might return within the month, but their legal status remains uncertain.

Kurdish politicians have criticized the peace process, arguing it has moved too slowly and has not sufficiently addressed the rights of Turkey's Kurdish minority. The Turkish government has not reinstated elected Kurdish mayors who were replaced with political appointees, nor has it allowed former employees dismissed over alleged PKK links to return to their jobs.