UK police arrest 6 in counterterrorism operation linked to PKK

British counterterrorism police have arrested six individuals in London for suspected links to the banned Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) terrorist organization.

The arrests, part of a significant operation, targeted individuals allegedly involved in terrorist activities connected to the group, authorities confirmed Wednesday.

Police raids across London

Four men, aged 23, 27, 56 and 62, and two women, aged 31 and 59, were detained under the Terrorism Act 2000 during dawn raids.

As part of the investigation, raids were carried out at eight London addresses. Searches were conducted at eight locations, including the Kurdish Community Centre in Haringey, north London, where investigations are expected to continue for up to two weeks.

“These are targeted arrests of those we suspect of being involved in terrorist activity linked to the group,” said Helen Flanagan from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command (CTC), also known as ‘SO15’.

“This investigation and activity is about protecting all of our communities, but particularly those in our Turkish and Kurdish communities,” Flanagan added.

I urge anyone who feels they have been targeted or influenced by people linked to the PKK to get in touch with us.

We are aware that closing the community center may cause inconvenience.

The police will work as quickly as possible, but the allegations are very serious and care must be taken to identify and gather as much evidence as possible.

Helen Flanagan, Met’s Counter Terrorism Command

PKK terrorist organization

The PKK is internationally listed as a terrorist organization by numerous countries, including the United States, Canada and Australia. The European Union also designated the PKK as a terrorist entity in 2004.

Since its foundation in 1984, over 40,000 people have lost their lives because of PKK terrorism. PKK’s ideology is founded on revolutionary Marxism-Leninism and separatist ethno-nationalism.

The organization wants to suppress the diversity of Türkiye, prevent participation and integration of Türkiye’s citizens of Kurdish origin, and intimidate the people in the region.

The PKK’s primary targets include police, military, economic and social assets in Türkiye.

PKK also attacks civilians and diplomatic and consular facilities. PKK is also involved in extortion, arms smuggling and drug trafficking.