Turkish intelligence says PKK vacates four northern Iraq bases amid peace talks
Turkey's intelligence agency confirmed that PKK militants have withdrawn from four bases in northern Iraq, following the group's own announcement.
Turkey's National Intelligence Organization announced that four PKK positions in the Metina and Baze areas of northern Iraq were evacuated as of October 8, confirming the group's earlier claim of a withdrawal. The PKK said it had removed all armed elements near the Turkish border, including four war tunnels and positions west of Zap, and that covert units in Istanbul and other Turkish cities were also ordered to leave.
Senior PKK leader Murat Karayılan told The Amargi that the pull-back followed dialogue and rejected suggestions that Turkish forces forced the exit, offering to release footage of the operation. Ankara stresses that verification of weapon hand-overs is required before the limited amnesty law, adopted two months ago, can take effect. Karayılan noted ongoing talks with Turkish officials but declined to confirm meetings with jailed PKK founder Abdullah Öcalan, and called for the end of the “enemy” label for Kurds abroad. The evacuation is intended to allow former militants to return home under integration programs covering education and employment.
Why it matters
The withdrawal could enable Turkey's amnesty law to move forward, affecting the peace process and Kurdish reintegration.
How the sides frame it
MODERATE AGREEMENTBoth camps report the PKK’s withdrawal from four northern Iraq sites, but left-leaning coverage emphasizes verification of weapon hand-overs and the role of dialogue, while right-leaning coverage highlights the “terror-free Türkiye” campaign and legal steps toward PKK dissolution.
LEFT
Frames the story as a factual report of the intelligence announcement, stressing the need for verification of weapon hand-overs and presenting the pull-back as a result of dialogue.
RIGHT
Frames the story as a sign of progress in Turkey’s anti-terror campaign, stressing the “terror-free Türkiye” project and legislative measures to dissolve the PKK.
The left emphasises
- verification of weapon hand-overs is required before the limited amnesty law can take effect
- the pull-back followed dialogue and rejects claims Turkish forces forced the exit
The right emphasises
- the evacuations are linked to Turkey’s “terror-free Türkiye” campaign
- legislation provides protections and sentence suspensions for former militants as part of PKK dissolution
In this story
