BREAKING: First Group from Outlawed Organization Lays Down Arms, Initial Statement Released

In a major step toward a terror-free Turkey, the PKK has officially begun the process of disarmament. The initiative, which includes the participation of some high-ranking members of the group, is expected to continue over the coming months. The first group has now laid down arms, and a statement from the PKK has followed, saying, “We are destroying our weapons of our own free will.” The first images showing weapons being destroyed have also been released.

Process Begins Following Bahçeli’s Call and Öcalan’s Messages

This new phase in Turkey’s counterterrorism efforts comes after a call for peace by MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli. The first group of PKK members disarmed today in Sulaymaniyah, Northern Iraq, following statements from the group’s jailed leader, Abdullah Öcalan.

Disarmament Ceremony Witnessed by DEM Party Delegation and Journalists

A delegation from the DEM Party, around 200 journalists, and representatives from civil society organizations were present to witness the disarmament ceremony. However, during the act of disarming, which took place at approximately 11:48 a.m., members of the press were not allowed to bring recording equipment into the designated area.

30 PKK Members Burn Their Weapons in Ceremony

The disarmament took place in Casene Cave, near the town of Surdaş, about 50 kilometers west of Sulaymaniyah. The group included senior PKK figures as well.

A total of 30 PKK members took part in the first round, ceremonially burning their weapons. The group was identified as the “Peace and Democratic Society Group.” The disarmament was completed around 11:48 a.m.

Second Group Expected to Follow Soon

A second group of 30 PKK members is expected to disarm in the coming days as part of the ongoing peace initiative.

Images of Weapon Destruction Released

Photos from the symbolic act of burning the weapons have started to surface. The ceremony was notably organized with a ritualistic atmosphere. In the images published by various regional news outlets, PKK members are seen placing their weapons into a specially prepared furnace before setting them ablaze.

The disarmament process was designed to be highly symbolic, marking what many hope will be a turning point in ending decades of violence.