Kurdish PKK Declares Ceasefire After 40 Years of Conflict with Turkey

The ceasefire follows a call by imprisoned leader Abdullah Ocalan, but questions remain about its longevity and potential concessions from Ankara.

The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) announced an immediate ceasefire on Saturday, halting a four-decade insurgency that has claimed over 40,000 lives.
The decision follows a call from jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, who urged the group to disarm and dissolve, framing it as a 'historical responsibility.'
Turkish President Erdogan and coalition partner Devlet Bahceli have cautiously welcomed the move, but Ankara has ruled out negotiations and warned of resumed military action if promises are broken.
The PKK has appealed for Ocalan's release from prison to oversee disarmament, while Kurdish political leaders emphasize the need for legal and political adjustments to ensure lasting peace.
The ceasefire could impact Erdogan's domestic political agenda, including efforts to secure Kurdish support for constitutional changes allowing him to run for a third presidential term in 2028.