# Turkey-Iraq military presence and PKK disarmament

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-iraq-military-presence-and-pkk-disarmament
> Updated: 2026-10-17T05:52:39.000Z. Sources: 23. Developments: 4.

Turkey and Iraq continue negotiations regarding the reduction or withdrawal of Turkish military forces from Iraqi territory. This process is tied to the disarmament of the PKK, with Iraqi officials indicating that bases like Bashika-Zilikan may be transferred to Iraqi forces once the group is disarmed.

Following the reported evacuation of four camps—Hebat, Yajk, Sabri, and Sason—in the Metina region on October 8, security operations have shifted toward the Gara and Hakurk areas. The current objective is to dismantle PKK logistics centers by destroying caves and shelters along the route to Kandil, a process expected to continue through January. During these operations, Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MİT) is conducting criminological recording of seized weapons, drones, and explosives before destruction, coordinating with the Kurdistan Regional Government to ensure facilities are rendered unusable.

As the peace process evolves, Turkey is evaluating a proposal to send PKK leaders to third countries under Turkish supervision. This follows indications from the Iraqi administration that it does not want organization leaders on its territory and that these individuals are excluded from potential legal amnesty provisions. 

Simultaneously, efforts to clear Sinjar of terrorist presence continue under Iraqi supervision. Security sources suggest that if Sinjar is cleared, Turkey may proceed with evacuating its Bashika base, potentially receiving the first group of individuals from the Sinjar region.

## Claims

- The PKK has completed the withdrawal of its armed forces from within Turkish borders and near the border in northern Iraq. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Four war tunnels and positions in the Metina region, west of Zap, have been evacuated. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The withdrawal is intended to fulfill the requirements of the strategy to end armed struggle and transition to democratic political struggle. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The group claims there are no remaining obstacles to the freedom of Abdullah Öcalan. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The PKK criticized the Turkish government for failing to take necessary steps regarding the Framework Law and democratic processes. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-17: Turkey evaluates third-country options for PKK leaders amid security operations

Turkey is coordinating with Iraqi authorities to destroy PKK logistics hubs and caves. Plans include potentially transferring organization leaders to third countries and clearing the Sinjar region.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-evaluates-third-country-options-for-pkk-leaders-amid-security-operations

### 2026-10-12: PKK militants withdraw from four camps in northern Iraq

PKK militants have vacated four camps in northern Iraq as part of a peace and disarmament process with Turkey, following legislative moves toward conditional pardons for group members.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pkk-militants-withdraw-from-four-camps-in-northern-iraq

### 2026-10-08: PKK announces withdrawal of forces from Turkey and northern Iraq

The PKK announced it has completed the withdrawal of its forces from Turkey and northern Iraq, including the evacuation of tunnels in Metina, to transition from armed to political struggle.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/pkk-announces-military-withdrawal-from-turkey-and-northern-iraq

### 2026-09-26: Turkey and Iraq discuss reducing Turkish military presence in Iraq

Turkey and Iraq are discussing the gradual withdrawal of Turkish military forces from bases like Bashika, linked to Iraq's roadmap for disarming armed groups such as the PKK.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-and-iraq-discuss-reducing-turkish-military-presence-in-iraq

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Cite as: Turkey-Iraq military presence and PKK disarmament. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-iraq-military-presence-and-pkk-disarmament