Türkiye's defense ministry urges PKK to disarm, disband

Türkiye’s defense officials have called for the immediate disarmament and dissolution of the PKK and all affiliated groups, emphasizing that these organizations must “end terrorist activities, disband, and unconditionally surrender their weapons.”

The statement came during a press briefing at the Ministry of National Defense (MSB) where officials addressed questions from journalists on several critical issues, including PKK ringleader Abdullah Ocalan’s Feb. 27 call for the militant group to lay down arms and dissolve itself.

“It is noteworthy that the organization has finally realized, albeit belatedly, that nothing can be achieved through terrorism, that it has completed its lifespan, and has no choice but to dissolve itself,” defense ministry sources said.

They added that efforts to create confusion by discussing matters like a ceasefire, which was not mentioned in the original statement, should be avoided.

Defense officials emphasized the process would not be allowed to be sabotaged or prolonged, adopting a “cautious and rational approach” as previously stated by the Defense Minister.

Türkiye ‘inseparable’ of EU security architecture

In addressing European security architecture, the ministry reaffirmed Türkiye’s integral role as a NATO and OSCE member with EU candidate status.

Türkiye’s Altay tank in Ankara, Türkiye, accessed on February 25, 2025. (AA Photo)

“With its developing defense industry, significant roles in resolving regional crises, and a strong military, Türkiye is an inseparable part of European security architecture,” officials stated, criticizing political barriers to Türkiye’s participation in EU defense initiatives.

The ministry also clarified its position on several international issues, including reports about potential Turkish peacekeeping troops in Ukraine and participation in the upcoming Red Flag-2025 Joint Air Operations Exercise in the United States.

Türkiye supports all ‘constructive initiatives’ aimed at peace in Ukraine

Regarding Ukraine, officials maintained Türkiye supports “all constructive initiatives aimed at establishing peace in the region, keeping the Black Sea as a sea of peace, and reconstructing Ukraine,” while noting that any peacekeeping mission would be evaluated with all relevant parties if deemed necessary for regional stability.

Photo shows a military instructor of the 3rd Assault Brigade trains civilians participating in trench warfare training during a "Test Week" organized by the 3rd Assault Brigade in Kyiv — A military instructor of the 3rd Assault Brigade trains civilians participating in trench warfare training during a “Test Week” organized by the 3rd Assault Brigade in Kyiv, on January 30, 2025. (AFP Photo)

The ministry also confirmed that Türkiye will participate in the Red Flag-2025 exercise in the United States from March 10-21 with five F-16 aircraft and 73 personnel, marking Türkiye’s eighth participation in the exercise that began in 1975.

Additionally, defense sources addressed internal matters, confirming that the Chief of General Staff, the Land Forces Commander, and the Naval Forces Commander have separately filed moral compensation lawsuits following statements made by Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Ozgur Ozel.

Officials also clarified that Brigadier General Hakan Tutucu, Logistics Chief of the Land Forces Command, submitted his retirement request on Feb. 28, which was subsequently approved, dismissing media reports about reassignment as inaccurate.