PKK Evacuates Northern Iraq Camps in Peace Process

The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) evacuated four accommodation areas—Hebat, Yajk, Sabri, and Sason—in the Baze region of northern Iraq's Metina region on October 8, 2026. The withdrawal follows orders from senior figure Murat Karayılan, who also directed clandestine units in major cities to withdraw. This move is part of a broader terror-free Türkiye initiative launched in 2024 to secure the group's full disarmament and dissolution.

The process began symbolically in 2025 after imprisoned leader Abdullah Öcalan called for the group to lay down its arms. To facilitate the transition, the Turkish Parliament passed legislation in August 2026 offering conditional pardons and deferred sentences for PKK members not involved in deadly acts. These legal incentives are contingent upon the National Security Council confirming the group's total dissolution.

Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz stated that the process is moving forward in a positive direction as a matter of state policy. As part of the broader diplomatic effort to stabilize the region, Turkey has also agreed to gradually transfer control of its Bashiqa military camp in northern Iraq to the Iraqi government.