• PKK militants have started disarming in a ceremony in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq.
• About 30 militants, including women, symbolically destroyed their weapons.
• The disarmament follows a call from imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan.
• Turkey’s President Erdogan views this as a significant move toward regional peace.
• The UN has expressed support for the disarmament process, hoping for lasting peace.

On July 11, a group of approximately 30 Kurdish PKK militants began the disarmament process in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, marking a historic milestone in the decades-long conflict with Turkey. The ceremony, which included the public destruction of weapons, symbolizes the PKK’s decision to lay down arms following a call from their imprisoned leader, Abdullah Ocalan, for the group to dissolve and transition into democratic politics. This initiative is expected to pave the way for reduced violence and improved relations between Turkey and the Kurdish population, according to BBC, Reuters, and TRT Global.

The disarmament ceremony took place at the entrance of the Jasana cave in Dukan, near Sulaymaniyah, where militants burned their weapons in a large cauldron. This act was witnessed by officials from the Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MIT), the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), and representatives from Turkey’s pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (DEM). Turkish and Iraqi officials are hopeful that this development marks a turning point toward lasting peace in the region, as the process could address deep social divisions and reduce the history of violence that has claimed over 40,000 lives since the PKK began its insurgency in 1984, as reported by AA and Dawn.

The United Nations also welcomed this step in the disarmament process, expressing hope that it would inspire further actions toward lasting peace. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric emphasized the importance of this initial move and stated the organization's readiness to support the peace process if requested. The UN's backing reflects a growing international acknowledgment of the necessity of resolving this long-standing conflict, as highlighted by AA and TRT Global.

In the aftermath of the disarmament ceremony, Turkish President Erdogan noted that this move is hoped to bolster national security and foster regional stability. He stated, “May God grant us success in achieving our goals on this path we walk for the security of our country, the peace of our nation, and the establishment of lasting peace in our region.” This sentiment underscores the political implications of the disarmament for Turkey’s future governance and relationship with the Kurds, according to TRT Global and Dawn.