Key Events in the Turkey-PKK Conflict: A Historical Overview

Abdullah Ocalan has recently called for an end to arms within the PKK, a group he founded in 1978 aimed at Kurdish liberation. The conflict has seen numerous key events, including Ocalan’s arrest, the initiation and collapse of peace talks, and renewed efforts for dialogue by Turkish political factions. This complex history has resulted in intense violence and significant social implications in Turkey.

The recent appeal by Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan for the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) fighters to abandon their arms marks a significant moment in the long-standing conflict between Turkey and the PKK. Below are five pivotal events in the history of this complex insurgency, which has resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of lives.

1. Foundation of the PKK (1978): The PKK was established in 1978 by students from Ankara University with the aim of achieving Kurdish liberation through armed struggle. They elected the political science student Abdullah Ocalan as their leader, reflecting the group’s Marxist-Leninist roots.

2. Military Coup and Armed Conflict (1980-1984): After a military coup in 1980, Ocalan and the PKK were compelled to relocate to Syria and Lebanon. It was in Lebanon that the PKK began its armed conflict against Turkey in 1984, with militants receiving military training in the Beqaa Valley and launching attacks on Turkish military facilities.

3. Ocalan’s Arrest and Imprisonment (1999): Ocalan was arrested on February 15, 1999, in Kenya and was sentenced to death in Turkey. However, his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment in 2002 following the abolition of the death penalty as part of Turkey’s EU-influenced reforms, leading to his confinement on Imrali Island.

4. Truce and Its Collapse (2013-2015): On March 21, 2013, Ocalan urged the PKK to lay down its arms during a government-mediated peace process. However, this truce fell apart in July 2015 after a bombing in Suruc, amplifying violence as Turkey launched military operations against the PKK in Iraq and across the country.

5. Recent Developments and Peace Attempts (2016-Present): Following the failed coup in 2016, relations soured drastically, with crackdowns on Kurdish political entities. Nevertheless, in a surprising turn, the hardline nationalist MHP party has since encouraged Ocalan to renounce violence. Recent meetings between a delegation from the pro-Kurdish DEM party and Ocalan indicate attempts to reopen dialogue.

The Turkey-PKK conflict has evolved significantly since its inception in 1978, characterized by cycles of violence and attempts at peace. Key events, including Ocalan’s arrest, the collapse of the 2013 truce, and recent governmental outreach, illustrate the complexities of this longstanding struggle. The future of this issue remains uncertain, hinging on continued dialogue and resolution efforts amidst ongoing tensions.

Original Source: www.newarab.com