Thu May 15 15:47:27 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Despite the PKK’s announcement of disbanding, Turkey’s military will continue operations against PKK militants in regions where they are present, particularly in Iraq and Syria, until Turkey is certain the threat is removed. Turkey will closely monitor the disarmament process with its intelligence service, coordinating with security forces in Iraq and Syria, and will not involve third parties like the UN. Turkish intelligence officials will oversee the weapons handover in designated locations within Turkey, Syria, and Iraq.

**News Article:**

**Turkey to Continue Military Operations Despite PKK Disbandment**

**Ankara, Turkey – May 15, 2025:** Despite the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) announcing its dissolution and the end of its decades-long insurgency, the Turkish military has stated it will continue its operations against PKK militants in regions where they are present, including Iraq and Syria.

A Defence Ministry spokesman confirmed that the military will maintain its operations with determination “until it is certain the region is cleared and will no longer pose a threat to Turkey.” The spokesman specifically cited land search and scan activities, as well as the destruction of caves, shelters, mines, and explosives.

According to a Ministry source, the decision to continue operations is driven by the need for caution and the potential for provocations from within the PKK. The Turkish intelligence service (MIT) will establish a mechanism to monitor the disarmament process, coordinating with security forces in Iraq and Syria.

Turkey has made it clear that no third parties, including the UN, will be involved in the disarmament. “The problems in our region should be solved by the regional countries,” a Ministry source stated. Turkish intelligence officials will oversee the weapons handover in designated locations within Turkey, Syria, and Iraq, registering the arms and fighters.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized that the intelligence service would “follow the process meticulously to ensure the promises are kept.” While Turkey will provide support, its military presence in Iraq and Syria will continue “until we are sure of security.”

The PKK, designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey and its Western allies, operates from rear bases in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region and is also present in Syria. Turkey has conducted several operations in both countries to push back the Kurdish militants.

Read More