Turkey’s defense ministry reported 26 Kurdish militants killed in military operations despite peace calls from imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan. The PKK declared a ceasefire, which Turkey’s government insists requires all associated groups to disband. President Erdogan warned of continued military actions if necessary, as the conflict has resulted in substantial casualties since 1984.
Turkey has reported the killing of 26 Kurdish militants over the past week, as indicated by a statement from the Turkish defense ministry. This military action occurred despite recent peace efforts initiated following a call from the PKK’s imprisoned leader, Abdullah Ocalan, for disbandment and a declared ceasefire. The operations took place primarily in northern Iraq and Syria, though details regarding specific encounters have not been disclosed.
The defense ministry reiterated its commitment to ongoing military operations, asserting that Turkish Armed Forces would maintain a vigilant stance to ensure national security. A statement emphasized, “Our military will continue the fight against terrorism with determination until not a single terrorist remains.”
The PKK had proclaimed a ceasefire on Saturday, responding to Ocalan’s directive made earlier in February for the group to disarm. This initiative aims to resolve a conflict that has spanned four decades, gaining momentum following overtures made by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ally, Devlet Bahceli, the leader of Turkey’s nationalist party.
Ocalan, incarcerated since 1999, called for the PKK to hold a congress to deliberate disbandment, seeking his release to lead this process effectively. Meanwhile, the leadership of the Syrian Democratic Forces, supported by the U.S., has stated that Ocalan’s ceasefire message does not pertain to their operations in Syria. The Turkish government maintains a stance that all Kurdish factions linked to the PKK across Turkey, Syria, or Iraq must cease their activities.
President Erdogan has underscored the need for readiness, claiming that military operations will persist, stating, “We will always keep our iron fist ready in case the hand we extend is left in the air or bitten.” This ongoing conflict between Turkey and the PKK has resulted in significant casualties since its inception in 1984. This latest ceasefire marks a potential shift in the long-standing tensions following the collapse of peace talks in the summer of 2015.
In conclusion, Turkey has intensified military operations against the PKK despite recent calls for peace and disbandment from its leader, Abdullah Ocalan. While Turkey continues to pursue a strong military response to perceived terrorist threats, the PKK’s declaration of a ceasefire suggests a potential opening for renewed dialogue. Cooperation and acknowledgment of commitments from various Kurdish factions remain crucial amidst this complex conflict.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
