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A group of approximately 30 members of the PKK terrorist group is expected to begin a disarmament process on July 11 in Sulaymaniyah, according to Turkish media reports.
The weapons will reportedly be either buried or burned, and the event will be held without live media coverage due to security concerns.
As part of initiatives aimed at achieving a "terror-free Türkiye," the first group from the PKK is expected to lay down arms Friday following a call from the terrorist organization's ringleader, Abdullah Ocalan.
According to reports from outlets close to the terrorist organization, the "disarmament ceremony" is planned to take place in the Raperin region of Sulaymaniyah, near the Iranian border and the foothills of Mount Qandil.
The group is expected to bring weapons, including AK-47 rifles and PKM machine guns, commonly referred to as "Kalashnikov" and "Bixi," respectively. These weapons will not be handed over to authorities but rather destroyed on-site by burning or burial.
In the first phase, nearly 30 members of the terrorist organization are expected to surrender their weapons. It was stated that Hulya Oran, known by the code name "Bese Hozat" and a so-called organization administrator, could lead this group.
Oran, who serves as co-chair of KCK, PKK's umbrella organization, alongside Murat Karayilan, would simultaneously leave the organization's management if she surrenders weapons. It was learned that PKK members will destroy their light machine guns.
For this reason, the action will not involve handing over weapons to an official. The group surrendering weapons is expected to return in the vehicles they came in immediately after the ceremony.
PKK and Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) extended invitations to more than 60 institutions, including political parties, worker confederations, civil society organizations, Alevi and women's organizations.
Representatives from dozens of institutions announced they would go to the region to witness this historic development.
However, it was announced that journalists and writers would not be allowed into the weapon surrender area for "security" reasons. Again, for security reasons, accreditation was not opened for independently working press members.
It is stated that a large screen will be set up near the weapon surrender area and recorded footage will be broadcast there. In the DEM Party's statement, it was said: "In line with the parties' agreement and security units' assessment, it was decided that the ceremony would be held in a different area, closed to the press. Images and recordings from the ceremony will be shared with journalists through a screen that will be set up. All opportunities will be provided to press members to create their impressions and news."
According to information obtained and reported by the Turkish media outlet Türkiye daily, Türkiye's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) were already taking necessary measures to prevent the event from turning into a "show" or being used for potential provocations.
It was reported that the issue was also brought up during the DEM Party's meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan the previous day.
It is stated that the changes made regarding the weapon surrender event stem from concerns about the possibility of being open to provocations and potential public backlash due to the 12 soldiers who were killed in action in the Claw-Lock operation area.
PKK is designated as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the United States, the European Union and NATO.
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