Preparations have been completed for the destruction of the terrorist group PKK's weapons, which will be carried out under the supervision of the Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MIT) in northern Iraq, and it is reportedly expected to be completed in the fall, according to the Turkish media outlet Türkiye daily.
The operation is expected to begin in the coming days in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq. A symbolic group of PKK terrorists is expected to participate in a ceremonial disarmament event between July 10 and 12.
The full disarmament process is projected to be completed by autumn, according to the report, as eyes will be on northern Iraq between July 10 and 12 for the "terror-free Türkiye initiative."
Following the terrorist group PKK's ringleader Ocalan's Feb. 27 statement and the subsequent so-called congress held by the terrorist members that decided on dissolution and disarmament, a symbolic terrorist from the PKK is expected to provide "weapon-laying" footage in a "ceremonial event" between July 10 and 12.
The MIT, under the leadership of Director Ibrahim Kalin, will oversee the entire process. Kalin is closely following the developments and regularly updating President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Recently, MIT Chief Kalin visited Hakkari and its districts, Yuksekova and Cukurca, according to security sources. During his visit, he met with Hakkari Governor Ali Celik, Second Army Commander General Levent Ergun, and other military and civil officials. The discussions focused in detail on border security with Iraq, Iran, and Syria; the measures implemented; the bases in the region; the latest developments; and the overall situation.
According to the Türkiye daily, the coordination involves authorities from Türkiye, Iraq, and the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) in northern Iraq.
The weapon disposal event will be recorded and broadcast under MIT’s supervision. Representatives from civil society organizations and columnists have been invited by the Kurdish-oriented Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) to attend the event.
All destroyed weapons will be recorded, and Türkiye will not allow weapons to enter another country's inventory. Türkiye will continue its fight against terrorist organization members who do not lay down arms during this process.
In parallel with the disarmament, the rapid evacuation of organization camps in northern Iraq will be on the agenda. Measures have been taken against provocations during this process. The framework for a commission reportedly to be established in the Turkish Parliament will also be determined.
The DEM Party will bring a 20-person group of columnists, nongovernmental organization (NGO) representatives, and political party representatives to the region for what it characterizes as a "historic step."
The party announced that all media members can follow the event "with their own means," emphasizing the event will take place with the government's knowledge.
The DEM Party announced that the step of PKK members laying down weapons in northern Iraq during the "Terror-Free Türkiye" process can be followed by media members. The party stated they are experiencing "important and historic days that represent a new phase in the 'Peace and Democratic Society Process.'"
A limited number of columnists have been invited by the party to observe the event, while other media members can follow this step with their own resources.
The DEM Party Central Executive Committee is meeting in emergency session today, on Sunday.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently announced that the PKK terrorist organization's decision to lay down arms will accelerate efforts toward achieving a "Terror-Free Türkiye," marking a significant development in the country's decades-long struggle against terrorism.
"The process will gain momentum as the terrorist organization begins to implement its decision to lay down arms," Erdogan told journalists aboard his presidential aircraft while returning from a visit to Azerbaijan.
"With the complete removal of weapons, blood, and tears from our nation's agenda, a completely new door will open wide before us."
The president confirmed he will meet with a delegation from the pro-Kurdish DEM Party next week to discuss steps toward the "Terror-Free Türkiye objective".