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Turkey-Iraq military presence and PKK disarmament

Updated 3 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-12 15:39 UTC → 2026-10-17 06:32 UTC · added removed

Turkey and Iraq have entered discussions continue negotiations regarding the potential reduction or withdrawal of Turkish military forces from Iraqi territory. Iraqi officials indicated that negotiations involve This process is tied to the transfer disarmament of bases, such as the PKK, with Iraqi officials indicating that bases like Bashika-Zilikan base, may be transferred to Iraqi forces once armed groups—specifically the PKK—are group is disarmed. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that Turkey would take steps to “gradually reduce and eventually terminate its military presence” as Iraq implements a roadmap to end terrorism and disarm groups in regions like Sinjar. Following these developments, the PKK announced it has completed a military withdrawal from Turkish territory and several positions in northern Iraq, including tunnels and war positions in Metina. The group stated this move aims to transition toward “democratic and political means of struggle” and to prevent the Turkish government from using its military presence as a pretext to obstruct peace processes. In a recent development, security officials reported that PKK militants vacated evacuation of four camps—Hebat, Yajk, Sabri, and Sason—in the Baze area of northern Iraq’s Metina region on October 8. This movement aligns with a broader peace process 8, security operations have shifted toward the Gara and follows an August parliamentary bill in Turkey that allows for conditional pardons for militants. These pardons, which include suspending prison sentences Hakurk areas. The current objective is to dismantle PKK logistics centers by destroying caves and postponing investigations, are contingent upon shelters along the Turkish route to Kandil, a process expected to continue through January. During these operations, Turkey’s National Security Council confirming the full dissolution and disarmament Intelligence Organization (MİT) is conducting criminological recording of seized weapons, drones, and explosives before destruction, coordinating with the group. Kurdistan Regional Government to ensure facilities are rendered unusable. As the peace process evolves, Turkey has maintained is evaluating a proposal to send PKK leaders to third countries under Turkish supervision. This follows indications from the Iraqi administration that it plans to gradually withdraw does not want organization leaders on its military forces territory and that these individuals are excluded from strategic bases in northern Iraq to return control potential legal amnesty provisions. Simultaneously, efforts to the clear Sinjar of terrorist presence continue under Iraqi government. 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.

Versions

  1. 2026-10-17 06:32 UTC Turkey-Iraq military presence and PKK disarmament
  2. 2026-10-12 15:39 UTC Turkey-Iraq military presence and PKK disarmament
  3. 2026-10-09 02:52 UTC Turkey-Iraq military presence and PKK disarmament
  4. 2026-10-08 14:32 UTC Turkey-Iraq military presence and PKK disarmament

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