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Kurdish PKK Militants Say Have Left Key Area in North Iraq
The PKK's withdrawal from Zap follows weapon destruction and aims to support peace talks with Turkey after four decades of conflict that claimed 50,000 lives, officials said.
- The PKK said Monday, `As of the evening of November 16, our forces.. in the Zap region have been withdrawn,` in a statement published by Firat news agency.
- Following steps this year including weapons destruction in July, the PKK began withdrawing fighters from Turkish soil in October after announcing dissolution in May.
- The PKK described the pullout as a "significant practical contribution" that eliminated conflict risk and showed its "commitment" to reset ties with Ankara, believing it aids peace and democratisation.
- The withdrawal has immediate security implications as Ankara has set up a cross-party parliamentary commission while Turkish military continues operations in the sparsely populated Zap area with seasonal shepherds.
- Until recently, the PKK maintained a strong presence in the Zap region, its original headquarters before shifting to the Qandil Mountains, and sometimes used drones to resupply fighters in rugged terrain.
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources20
Leaning Left5Leaning Right2Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Left
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left
50% Left
L 50%
C 30%
R 20%
Factuality
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