PKK faces internal resistance ahead of expected disarmament decision: Report

The terrorist organization PKK is expected to hold a congress in mid-April, where a formal decision on disarmament and self-dissolution is anticipated following a call from its imprisoned ringleader, Abdullah Ocalan.

However, Turkish columnist Selvi stipulated that two internal groups could resist this move. Selvi, writing for Hurriyet, stated, “I don’t want to disrupt the process, but it is said that two factions might oppose the PKK’s disarmament decision: one aligned with Iran and the other known as the Tunceli group.”

Internal divisions could challenge Ocalan’s authority

Selvi emphasized that any opposition within the PKK would amount to defiance against its founder. “If some in Qandil resist the disarmament decision, they will be resisting Ocalan himself,” he wrote.

He added that should the PKK congress adopt the decision to disarm and a wing oppose it, “that faction will be standing against the PKK and its founding will.” Selvi concluded that those resisting would have to face the consequences.

President Erdogan: ‘The state has fulfilled its role’

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently commented on the process, stating that the Turkish state has facilitated the conditions for a disarmament call. “Our state has fulfilled its responsibility by ensuring that the call for action was made. Now, it is time for the organization to comply with the call without any ifs or buts.”

He made it clear that the Turkish government is not willing to wait indefinitely, adding, “We do not have unlimited time or patience. We are waiting for the organization to disband itself and lay down its weapons without further delay.”

He also expressed optimism that current global, regional, and domestic dynamics would provide the right environment to conclude the 40-year-long struggle against terrorism successfully, stating that Türkiye could finally be freed from this “bloody and difficult affliction.”

PKK’s position weakened

Selvi underlined that the current geopolitical climate is unfavorable to the terrorist group PKK:

• The group’s operational capacity within Türkiye has significantly diminished.
• The new Syrian government has signed agreements with the PKK-YPG structure.
• Türkiye controls a 30–40 kilometer (18.6 miles–24.8 miles) zone in northern Iraq.
• U.S. support for the PKK-YPG is reportedly waning, as Washington pressures the group toward reconciliation with Damascus.
• European nations are increasingly inward-focused.
• Iran‘s regional influence has declined.

Selvi argued that Türkiye now holds the strategic advantage. “This is not the Türkiye of the past, and the region has changed. Power dynamics are in Türkiye’s favor,” he wrote.

Process moving toward resolution despite concerns

Despite signs of resistance, Selvi expressed cautious optimism. “The process is moving toward disarmament and dissolution,” he said, reiterating that if Qandil blocks the process again, it will bear the consequences.