PKK militants withdraw from four camps in northern Iraq

Members of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) have withdrawn from four camps in the Baze area of northern Iraq’s Metina region, located near the Turkish border. The camps, identified as Hebat, Yajk, Sabri, and Sason, were reportedly vacated on October 8, according to reports citing security officials.

This movement is part of a broader peace process aimed at ending a conflict that has lasted over four decades. Last year, the PKK—which is designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey and its allies—announced its intention to disarm and disband following calls from its imprisoned leader, Abdullah Ocalan. The group has previously used these northern Iraqi positions to launch attacks against Turkey.

The withdrawal follows legislative developments in Turkey, including an August parliamentary bill that allows for conditional pardons for thousands of militants. These pardons, which include suspending prison sentences and postponing investigations, are contingent upon the Turkish National Security Council confirming the full dissolution and disarmament of the group. Additionally, Turkey has indicated plans to gradually withdraw its military forces from strategic bases in northern Iraq to hand control back to the Iraqi government.