ABSTRACT
The conflict between Turkiye and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party – an organisation recognised as a terrorist group by the former, the European Union and the United States – has been ongoing for nearly 40 years. It has encompassed various actions, including PKK surprise attacks on Turkish military posts and patrols, and large-scale military and security operations aimed at the Kurdish organisation. In March, ahead of Turkiye’s May general elections, the PKK leadership decided to further extend the ceasefire in recognition of the importance of the 2023 vote and the potential for leadership change. While the PKK has claimed it has not initiated any military activity during the ceasefire, Turkiye has continued to conduct operations within and outside the country, leading to numerous violent incidents and deaths on both sides.
