Peregraf
Despite the unilateral ceasefire declared by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), military operations by Turkey in the Kurdistan Region persist.
As reported by the Community Peacemaker Teams (CPT), Turkish forces launched an assault on Linki Mountain in the Dereluk district of Amedi, Duhok Province.
Kamaran Othman, the leader of the Kurdistan team of CPT, stated on his Facebook page that the Turkish military conducted a helicopter assault on Mount Linki in the Dereluk district of Amedi at 1:04 AM today, to which the PKK guerrillas retaliated with gunfire.
He further noted that while there were no civilian casualties, the location of the attack in the Deraluk district has instilled fear among the local population.
PKK Declares Ceasefire, Calls for Ocalan’s Release
The PKK has announced its commitment to implementing the message of its imprisoned leader, Abdullah Ocalan, who has called for the disarmament and dissolution of the organization. As a first step, the PKK declared a ceasefire, stating that its fighters would not engage in armed activities unless attacked. The group also demanded that Ocalan be released to personally oversee the disarmament process.
“Of course, making such a call was important; successful implementation of its content is even more crucial. As the PKK, we will directly participate in fulfilling this call and act according to its requirements,” the group said in an official statement.
The PKK emphasized that success depends on a democratic political environment and an appropriate legal framework.
“The issue of disarmament can only be achieved under the practical leadership of Leader Apo [Ocalan].”
The group further asserted that a congress to dissolve the PKK could only take place under Ocalan’s leadership.
Ocalan’s Historic Call for Disarmament
On February 27, 2025, Ocalan, who has been imprisoned on Imrali Island since 1999, made a landmark appeal for the PKK to end its armed struggle and transition into a peaceful political movement. His message was delivered through a delegation from the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM).
Ocalan framed his appeal within the historical context of Turkish-Kurdish relations, arguing that the PKK emerged as a response to Kurdish oppression but that the time had come for political engagement.
“The second century of the Republic can achieve and assure permanent and fraternal continuity only if it is crowned with democracy. There is no alternative to democracy in the pursuit and realization of a political system,” he stated.
He called on the PKK to voluntarily dissolve itself and emphasized that a democratic resolution was the only viable path forward.
Government Response and Political Implications
Ocalan’s message has sparked political debate in Turkey. In an unexpected move, Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli suggested that Ocalan be allowed to address the Turkish parliament to formally declare the PKK’s dissolution—an unprecedented shift from the hardline stance of the Turkish government.
Founded in 1978 with the goal of Kurdish independence, the PKK later shifted its demands to autonomy within Turkey. However, it remains designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union.
The DEM Party, which succeeded the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), has long advocated for peace. As Ocalan’s message reaches both PKK leadership and Turkish authorities, the question remains whether this could lead to a lasting resolution—or another failed peace attempt.