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PKK terrorist group's armed elements inside Türkiye have reportedly left the country under the supervision of security forces, with Turkish authorities assessing that "no armed PKK members remain within Turkish borders," according to Turkish media reports.
Approximately 47 armed individuals in rural areas across different regions departed under security force supervision, with Turkish Armed Forces (TAF), gendarmerie and police special operations units subsequently launching search operations in caves and shelters abandoned by the organization, Turkish media outlet Hurriyet reported on Tuesday.
"The groups reportedly departed with only light weapons, leaving heavy weapons behind in Türkiye," according to the report. This marks the first time since the PKK began armed activities in 1984 that the organization has not established winter bases inside Türkiye.
Following the reported departures, TAF units are conducting search operations along border areas while Gendarmerie Special Operations (JOH), Gendarmerie Commandos and Police Special Operations (POH) teams are searching inland areas.
Security forces are reportedly clearing numerous caves that had been used as long-term storage facilities and shelters, with specialized teams conducting these operations. The organization has also reportedly vacated control points near the border area.
Transit routes and gathering points were designated in rural areas of eastern and southeastern regions, with military units repositioned along transit routes to prevent potential contact, according to the report.
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The PKK conducted its first armed attacks on Aug. 15, 1984, in Eruh district of Siirt and Semdinli district of Hakkari, after being established in Fis Village of Diyarbakir's Lice district.
The terrorist organization has used rural areas and caves as base regions for approximately 41 years.
According to Hurriyet's report, around 50 armed PKK groups departed Türkiye under intelligence service supervision, moving to areas they consider "secure." The report characterized this as "the first time in the terrorist organization's history that it has left Türkiye."
The PKK is designated as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the United States and the European Union.
Turkish authorities have implemented measures to prevent provocations, with the organization reportedly withdrawing from areas near the border that could pose conflict risks. "Control points previously established near Türkiye's borders have also been vacated," according to the reports.
The reported departure comes amid regional developments and ongoing discussions about security arrangements in neighboring Syria, where the YPG, considered by Türkiye as the PKK's Syrian affiliate, maintains a presence.
Turkish security forces continue operations against the PKK both domestically and in northern Iraq, where the organization maintains camps and logistics bases.
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