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Türkiye has reportedly delivered a clear message to both Iran and Israel, warning that any attempt to use armed groups as proxy forces near Turkish borders would be considered "a cause for war," according to military sources speaking to the Turkish media outlet NTV.
As Türkiye enters a new phase in its terror-free Türkiye initiative, the PKK terrorist group, which recently announced its dissolution, is expected to complete its disarmament process within four months. The National Intelligence Organization (MIT) will monitor this process closely.
"There is a strategic plan in place. The stages are clear. The timeline is clear. The units to which weapons will be surrendered are clear," said Kemal Ozturk, NTV's political commentator.
Sources indicate that nearly 1,000 PKK members who have not been involved in criminal activities will be brought back to Türkiye as part of a social reintegration process.
They emphasized that bringing back the children of "Diyarbakir mothers"—referring to families who have protested for the return of their children recruited by the PKK—would be an important psychological first step.
Military sources revealed that warnings have been issued to both Israel and Iran to prevent their actions from undermining Türkiye's goal of eliminating terrorism.
"We have communicated to our counterparts that if Kurds are used as proxy forces and brought to our border, we will consider this a cause for war," the sources stated.
The sources also emphasized that statements regarding the Treaty of Lausanne in the PKK's dissolution announcement have no binding implications for the Turkish Republic.
Following the PKK's decision to dissolve and disarm, the fate of its bases and shelters in Northern Iraq and Qandil Mountain has become clearer. As PKK camps are evacuated, Peshmerga forces will move into the vacated areas, according to the report.
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The current process began with a call from Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli on Oct. 22, 2024.
During his party's group meeting, Bahceli stated: "If the isolation of the terrorist leader is lifted, let him come and speak at the DEM Party Group Meeting in the Turkish Parliament, and declare that terrorism has completely ended and the organization has been dissolved. If he shows this resolve and determination, the way can be opened for legal arrangements regarding the use of his right to hope and for him to benefit from it."
Shortly after this statement, Bahceli called for permission to be granted for a Kurdish-oriented Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) delegation to visit Imrali prison island, where PKK ringleader Abdullah Ocalan is held.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made his first statement on the process on October 30, 2024, saying that Bahceli had not just put his hand, but his entire body "under the stone" with his call regarding PKK ringleader Abdullah Ocalan.
Erdogan stated that Bahceli's call charted a course for history, adding that a window of opportunity had opened for Türkiye and thanking the MHP leader for his initiative.
As part of the new process, the DEM Party expects legal steps to be taken and Ocalan's conditions on Imrali Island to be improved. Sources speaking to the Turkish media outlet indicate that Ocalan's conditions will be improved on the island, and contacts will continue through DEM.
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