In a landmark development that promises to reshape the geopolitical landscape of the region, the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) has commenced the process of laying down its arms in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq.

This historic move, initiated today, marks a critical milestone in the ongoing peace negotiations with the Turkish state, potentially bringing a definitive end to a conflict that has spanned four decades and claimed tens of thousands of lives.

The disarmament process is unfolding as a key component of a meticulously negotiated five-stage peace plan.

The current activities in Sulaymaniyah represent the third and most tangible phase of this roadmap: the complete disbandment and decommissioning of the PKK's armed elements. The event is being monitored by a joint commission that includes international observers, signaling a broad consensus on the significance of this step.

Ankara has responded with cautious optimism. A senior Turkish official, speaking to Clash Report, characterized the event as a pivotal moment.

"Today’s laying down of arms by PKK militants in Sulaymaniyah is 'a concrete and welcome step' in ending decades of violence," the official stated. Emphasizing the gravity of the development, they added, "This marks an irreversible turning point — a chance to protect innocent lives and build a future free from terror."

This positive reception from the Turkish government underscores its commitment to the peace process, with officials reaffirming their dedication to "disarmament, reconciliation, and lasting stability in the region."

How the Ceremony Unfolded

According to Turkish broadcaster NTV, the first contingent comprised roughly two dozen militants, who laid down assault rifles and light machine-guns under the supervision of Turkish, Iraqi Kurdish and international observers.

The fighters will remain in Iraq for the duration of the verification process, which Ankara says could take three to five months to complete.

Jailhouse Message from Öcalan

The disarmament was set in motion by PKK founder Abdullah Öcalan, incarcerated on Türkiye’s İmralı Island since 1999. In a rare, seven-minute video released earlier this week, Öcalan declared that “the phase of armed struggle has ended. This is not a loss, but a historic gain,” and urged Türkiye’s parliament to create a commission overseeing decommissioning and broader political reforms.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, addressing lawmakers on Wednesday, said: “We are ridding Türkiye of a half-century-old evil, tearing away the bloody shackles fastened to our nation.” He vowed that the government would not permit “provocations” to derail the process.

Ömer Çelik, spokesperson for the ruling AK Party, later told reporters the weapons-handover phase must finish “within three to five months” to avoid renewed clashes

The Five-Stage Peace Plan

Turkish outlets outlines a sequential framework:

• Parliamentary mandate — an all-party call for dialogue;
• Cease-fire declaration initiated by Öcalan;
• Disarmament & dissolution of armed units (under way);
• Legal and constitutional reforms to widen political space;
• Societal reintegration of former militants through economic and psychosocial programmes.

A Long and Sanguinary History

The conflict between the Turkish state and the PKK, designated a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the United States, and the European Union, began in 1984. The PKK's stated initial aim was to establish an independent Kurdish state in southeastern Türkiye. Over the years, this demand evolved into a call for greater cultural and political autonomy for Kurds within Türkiye.

The conflict has been characterized by intense guerrilla warfare in the mountainous regions of southeastern Türkiye and northern Iraq, as well as urban attacks and widespread military operations. The violence has resulted in an estimated 40,000 to 50,000 deaths, including security force members, PKK militants, and a significant number of civilians. It has also led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people and has had a profound economic and social impact on the region.

Previous Peace Efforts and the Current Process

The road to today's disarmament has been paved with several previous, albeit unsuccessful, peace initiatives. The most significant of these was the "Solution Process" (Çözüm Süreci), which took place between 2013 and 2015.

This process involved direct talks between Turkish intelligence officials and the PKK's imprisoned leader, Abdullah Öcalan. Despite initial progress, including a ceasefire and plans for withdrawal, the talks collapsed in mid-2015, leading to a renewed and particularly violent phase of the conflict.

The current peace talks, which have been conducted with a greater degree of discretion, appear to have learned from past failures.

The structured, five-stage approach aims to build confidence incrementally.

The initial stages reportedly focused on establishing a durable ceasefire and outlining the legal and political frameworks for reconciliation. The successful initiation of the disarmament phase suggests that the most significant hurdles have been overcome, raising hopes for a lasting resolution to one of the Middle East's most protracted conflicts.

What Happens Next

• Verification teams drawn from Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organisation (MIT), the Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and UN-endorsed monitors will catalogue and destroy surrendered arms.
• Legislative package — Turkish officials say draft bills on amnesty parameters, local-governance reforms and Kurdish-language rights are being prepared for autumn debate.
• Economic dividend — the Finance Ministry projects billions in new investment for Türkiye’s southeast should security normalise.