At a Glance

• According to A Turkish paper, the PKK is preparing to evacuate its camps in northern Iraq, beginning with Metina, Gara, and Hakurk, as part of an ongoing peace initiative.
• The phased evacuation will be coordinated with the Kurdistan Regional Government and monitored by Turkey's intelligence agency (MIT), with complete camp clearance slated for January 2027.
• Qandil will serve as the final assembly point where returning members are registered and vetted before re-entering Turkey via official border crossings and consulates.
• While Baghdad has reportedly rejected hosting top PKK leadership, discussions are underway to explore a third-country relocation option for senior commanders.

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The peace process between the Turkish state and Kurdish movements is entering a critical logistical phase, with new intelligence reports outlining a comprehensive schedule for military withdrawals, camp demolitions, and eventual member reintegration.

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Phased Evacuation and Qandil Consolidation

• Camp Closures and Demolition: Turkish media reports citing security insiders indicate that following the pullout from Metina, PKK forces will systematically evacuate bases in Gara and Hakurk. Once cleared, these facilities will be demolished to prevent future military reoccupation, with all regional units consolidating in Qandil by January 2027.
• Return Mechanism and Documentation: Qandil will function as the central staging ground for members returning to Turkey. Vetting processes will determine group sizes and travel logistics, with formal name lists submitted through consular offices and official border gates.
• Sinjar and Regional Shifts: Forces in Sinjar will undergo a disarmament and integration process mirroring developments in Syria, giving local members the choice to return to Turkey or remain. In parallel, successful implementation is expected to prompt Turkey to eventually vacate its military presence at the Bashiqa-Zelkan base.
• The Third-Country Dilemma: With Iraqi authorities firmly refusing to host senior PKK leadership on federal soil, international diplomatic channels are actively weighing third-country relocation options for top commanders.

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The coordinated plan underscores a significant shift toward demilitarization in border regions, though its success hinges on strict adherence to the timeline and diplomatic coordination between Erbil, Baghdad, and Ankara.

The PKK is taking further steps within the framework of the peace process by evacuating its camps and positions in border areas, while discussions are underway regarding third-country options for relocating its leadership. According to details published by Turkish media citing security sources, the phased evacuation of camps in regions like Metina, Gara, and Hakurk will be closely monitored by Turkish intelligence in coordination with the KRG, with total completion targeted for January 2027 and empty facilities subsequently destroyed. All regional forces will converge on Qandil as the final operational hub, where return lists will be finalized and submitted to consulates. Furthermore, while Sinjar fighters are offered reintegration or return pathways and Turkey prepares to eventually withdraw from Bashiqa, the refusal of Iraqi authorities to host top-tier commanders has forced planners to explore third-country sanctuary solutions.

FYI

Qandil is a rugged mountain range located along the Iraq-Iran border in the Kurdistan Region, historically serving as the primary operational and logistical headquarters for the PKK.

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