• The PKK is withdrawing all fighters from Turkey to northern Iraq.
• This move is part of a broader disarmament and peace process initiated in May.
• The PKK urges Turkey to implement legal frameworks to support democratic integration.
• The conflict has resulted in over 40,000 deaths since the PKK began its insurgency in 1984.
• An end to this conflict could impact regional relations, particularly with Syria.

The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has officially announced the withdrawal of its forces from Turkey to northern Iraq as part of a disarmament process, which they believe will lead to a "free, democratic, and brotherly life." The announcement was made on Sunday, following a symbolic ceremony where the PKK destroyed a portion of its weapons in July, signifying their commitment to peace. This historic decision marks a pivotal moment after nearly four decades of armed conflict that has resulted in approximately 50,000 deaths, according to Al Jazeera, Reuters, Middle East Eye, and India Times.

The PKK's decision to withdraw comes after a call from its leader Abdullah Ocalan, who has been imprisoned for several years. The group asserts that this step is crucial for transitioning to legitimate political participation and has urged the Turkish government to enact necessary legal reforms swiftly. They emphasized that "the legal and political steps required by the process... must be put in place without delay," highlighting the need for legal arrangements compatible with freedom, as stated by a spokesperson in a recent press release, according to Reuters and Middle East Eye.

This withdrawal signifies the PKK's commitment to the peace process and their long-term goals of advocating for Kurdish rights through democratic means. Turkish President Erdogan's government has welcomed this move, interpreting it as a success toward achieving a "terror-free Turkey." Omer Celik, the ruling AK Party spokesperson, noted that this event represents a tangible outcome of the government’s strategic efforts, potentially influencing future relations, especially with neighboring Syria, where the U.S. has collaborated with Kurdish groups that Turkey associates with the PKK, as noted by Al Jazeera, Reuters, and India Times.