The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a Kurdish militant group, will begin handing over weapons in northern Iraq, marking a significant step in their disarmament process. This follows a May announcement of the group's disbandment and renunciation of armed conflict, spurred by imprisoned leader Abdullah Öcalan's February call. A symbolic weapons handover, involving 20-30 fighters, is planned for July 10-12 in Sulaymaniyah, overseen by civil society. Further disarmament hinges on ending Öcalan's prison isolation and legal guarantees for reintegration into Turkish politics. While a Turkish official anticipated the move, there's been no immediate government response.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.