PKK

Fourteen years after genocide, Yazidis may see stability in Iraq - analysis

The Yazidi region was largely abandoned by Iraq. The Yazidis remained, but they were divided.

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
A view shows the conical temple roofs, courtyards and pilgrims at the Lalish sanctuary during the Jama'i festival in Lalish, Duhok Governorate, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, on October 10, 2026; Illustrative.
Iranian Kurdish fighters from the Kurdistan Freedom Party, known as PAK take part in a training session at a base on the outskirts of Erbil, Iraq February 12, 2026.

IRGC officer killed in Iran-Iraq border mountains as fighting with Kurdish opposition intensifies

Iran’s ambassador to Iraq says Tehran and Baghdad have reached an agreement on as Iran seeks to suppress what it calls Kurdish ‘terrorist’ and ‘separatists.'

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Murat Karayilan co-leader of the Kurdistan Worker's Party (PKK) and leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Confederalism Council (KKK) poses during an interview with AFP in a camp near Arbil in the Sinena mountains, northern Iraq, 11 August 2005.

Peace in the Middle East? Kurdish PKK leader discusses regional ‘third world war’

Kamal Chomani, with The Amargi news outlet, spent ten days in caves waiting to interview the PKK chief in an exclusive interview about the region, Kurds, Turkey, and the world today.

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
Iranians living in Greece chant slogans during a rally, marking the Global Day of Action for Iran, to support Iran's Lion and Sun Revolution, in Athens, Greece, February 14, 2026

Iran’s future will be decided by its people, not separatist factions - opinion

By flirting with marginal, transnational separatist elements, outside powers risk alienating the patriotic majority of the Iranian public. 

|ByTINA GHAZIMORAD

Abdullah Ocalan calls on PKK to dissolve, regional leaders react

Regional leaders welcome calls for the PKK to lay down arms and dissolve.

FEBRUARY 27, 2025ByREUTERS
Syrian Kurds hold flags as they gather after Turkey's jailed militant leader Abdullah Ocalan called on his Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) to lay down its arms on Thursday, a move that could end its 40-year conflict with Ankara and have far-reaching political and security consequences for the region,

Turkey says nine PKK fighters 'neutralized' in northern Iraq operation

The Turkish government frequently uses the term "neutralized" to describe combatants who have been killed, captured, or have surrendered.

FEBRUARY 19, 2025ByTHE MEDIA LINE STAFF
KURDISH PROTESTERS carry flags and a banner with a portrait of jailed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocalan during a demonstration against Turkey’s military action in northeastern Syria in Zurich, Switzerland, this week

Ankara seeks to exert influence at its rival’s expense - analysis

Ankara seeks through attacks to drive a wedge between Syrian Kurds and the US.

NOVEMBER 2, 2024ByJONATHAN SPYER
THICK SMOKE rises from an oil-extracting facility targeted by Turkish shelling near Syria’s northeastern border with Turkey last week.

Turkey to reinforce military bases in northern Iraq after 12 soldiers killed

Turkish forces regularly carry out strikes in neighboring Iraq as part of the country's offensive against PKK militants.

DECEMBER 28, 2023ByREUTERS
A Turkish soldier patrols in the southeastern Turkish province of Sirnak October 27, 2007.

Turkey 'neutralizes' Kurdish militants in northern Iraq airstrikes

Two attackers detonated a bomb near government buildings in Turkey's capital on Sunday morning.

OCTOBER 2, 2023ByREUTERS
A TURKISH soldier waves a flag on Mount Barsaya, northeast of Afrin, Syria, in January 2018