Description: The Kurdish workers party, PKK, labeled as a terrorist and militant group by the EU, US and Turkey, has announced their disbandment of guerilla forces after more than 40 years of armed insurgency that spread across 4 countries. The group’s official press release stated that representatives from the higher council are acting in line with their leader’s demands from Feb to disarm and disband while reorienting towards acquiring rights for the Kurds via diplomatic and political methods. Abdullah Ocalan, the group’s leader which has been imprisoned since 1999, called for the group’s disbandment in Feb which rallied its supporters on the outside to press for complete disarmament. The YPG militia, PKK’s Syrian offshoot has stated that their organization didn’t fall under the PKK umbrella, and they would remain active in several parts of Syria. Turkey’s President Erdogan hailed the organization’s decision and stated that Turkey remained dedicated in the fight against terrorism.
Impact: PKK’s disbandment although perceived as mostly positive, leaves a power vacuum in countries which are facing growing internal insurgencies and heightened levels of security crises such as Syria and Iraq. The announcement arrives at a crucial time for Erdogan’s political credibility and future integrity as he faces substantial backlash for imprisoning his political opponent Ekrem Imamoglu and resorting towards authoritarian methods of governance. Erdogan established cordial bilateral relations with Syrian President Al Sharaa ever since the latter’s appointment, which prompted other regional adversaries such as Israel to launch military campaigns within Syria to counter Turkish presence and influence. Administrative and integrative obstacles regarding the disbandment would persist as Erdogan would face crucial challenges in political integration of the Kurds, which make up approximately 20% of Turkey’s 86 million population. Splinter organizations such as the YPG militia in Syria could pose a low – scale risk, as the PKK was one of the militant groups holding control over larger territories within Syria. The disbandment ultimately benefits Turkey which would further insert their power of influence over Syria’s newly formed government.