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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated Wednesday that Türkiye is entering a critical phase in efforts to dismantle the PKK terrorist organization, with a "historic announcement" expected soon.
Speaking at the ruling Justice and Development Party's (AK Party) parliamentary group meeting, Erdogan described his recent meeting with the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) delegation as productive and constructive, emphasizing shared goals for a terror-free Türkiye.
“We are moving into a stage where we expect to hear positive news,” Erdogan said. “We hope this promising process will be concluded successfully, without any setbacks. We will soon share the long-awaited historic announcement.”
Erdogan also addressed the loss of 12 Turkish soldiers who died from methane gas exposure during a recovery operation in northern Iraq. The mission aimed to locate the remains of a soldier who lost his life three years ago in the same region during the ongoing Penche-Kilit operation.
“We are holding this meeting with heavy hearts,” he said. “Twelve of our brave soldiers lost their lives after exposure to toxic gas during a cave search operation. May they rest in peace.”
He stressed that the sacrifices of these troops guide the nation’s mission to end terrorism:
“There can be no step in our fight against terrorism that would dishonor the memory of our fallen soldiers. We are determined to end this half-century-long scourge once and for all.”
President Erdogan reiterated Türkiye’s firm stance against the PKK terrorist group, recognized as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the U.S., and the EU. While not naming him directly, Erdogan referenced the continued isolation of PKK ringleader Abdullah Ocalan, imprisoned on Imrali Island since 1999.
Officials close to the matter suggest that the PKK may be nearing a full disbandment, following years of internal fragmentation and mounting pressure from Turkish military operations.
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