Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK)

Who Are They?

The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) is a Kurdish militant and political organization that originated in Turkey in the late 1970s. Founded by Abdullah Öcalan in 1978, the group began its armed struggle in 1984, initially demanding an independent Kurdish state. Over time, the PKK shifted its goals toward seeking greater political autonomy and cultural rights for Kurds within Türkiye.

The group has been involved in a long-running armed conflict with the Turkish state, which has resulted in over 40,000 deaths since the 1980s. While the PKK has declared several ceasefires over the years — including the most recent one in March 2025 — the group remains at the center of political, military, and diplomatic tensions in the region.

Who Has Designated the PKK as a Terrorist Organization?

Due to its history of armed insurgency, bombings, and guerrilla tactics, the PKK has been designated as a terrorist organization by numerous countries and international organizations.

Here’s a list of states and entities that officially label the PKK as a terrorist group:

✅ International Bodies

• European Union (EU) – since 2002
• NATO – aligns with member states’ designations

✅ Countries

• Türkiye – the primary actor in the conflict, designates PKK as a separatist terrorist group
• United States – listed as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) since 1997
• United Kingdom – proscribed under the Terrorism Act in 2001
• Germany – banned PKK in 1993; regularly cracks down on related activities
• France – banned since 1993; has prosecuted PKK-linked individuals
• Canada – officially lists the PKK as a terrorist entity
• Australia – listed in 2005
• Japan – asset freeze since 2002
• New Zealand – designated in 2010
• Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan – officially recognize PKK as a terrorist group
• Iraq – designated in 2024 following increased Turkish pressure
• Sweden – reaffirmed designation in 2022 amid NATO negotiations

Where Is the PKK Active?

The PKK maintains a regional and transnational presence, with both armed and political operations. Its core activity is in the Middle East, but it also has a diaspora network across Europe.

📍 Key Areas of Activity:

1. Southeastern Türkiye
   • Traditional stronghold and conflict zone
   • Provinces like Diyarbakır, Şırnak, Hakkari see frequent clashes
   • Guerrilla tactics and rural insurgency dominate this area
2. Northern Iraq (Qandil Mountains)
   • Main base of operations and leadership headquarters
   • Used for training, planning, and launching cross-border attacks
   • Frequent target of Turkish airstrikes
3. Northeastern Syria
   • Affiliated with Syrian Kurdish forces, notably the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and YPG
   • Türkiye sees this connection as a major security threat
   • The PKK denies direct control, but ideological ties are widely acknowledged
4. Western Iran
   • PKK-linked groups operate along the Iran-Türkiye border, though their presence is less visible
   • Focuses on Iranian Kurdish issues
5. Europe
   • Political and cultural branches exist in countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands
   • Organizations like the Kurdish Academy of Culture and Arts (Hunerkom) promote Kurdish identity and political goals
   • Involved in fundraising, lobbying, and community mobilization
   • Several European states have arrested individuals accused of financing or promoting PKK-related activities

On March 1, 2025, the PKK declared a unilateral ceasefire following a public appeal by Öcalan to disarm and end the armed struggle. The group stated it would not carry out any military actions unless attacked. This move has raised hopes for a political resolution to a conflict that has spanned over four decades.

However, challenges remain:

• Türkiye’s government has rejected formal peace talks
• Ongoing arrests of pro-Kurdish activists raise concerns about political suppression
• Cross-border tensions, especially in Syria and Iraq, complicate stability

Conclusion

The PKK remains a deeply controversial and influential actor in regional politics. Its designations as a terrorist organization by much of the international community reflect its history of militancy, while its evolving political role raises questions about future engagement.

As of 2025, the PKK is active in at least five regions and continues to impact security dynamics across Türkiye, Iraq, Syria, Iran, and Europe.