The Kurdish militant group PKK has declared a ceasefire after its imprisoned leader, Abdullah Ocalan, called on fighters to disarm.

The move, seen as a potential political gain for Turkish President Erdoğan, follows years of conflict since the PKK launched its insurgency in the 1980s.

Analysts remain skeptical about the ceasefire’s long-term viability, as divisions exist within the PKK and Erdoğan’s government continues to pressure Kurdish political groups, NPR has reported.

Some suggest the ceasefire could be linked to Erdoğan’s efforts to gain Kurdish support for constitutional changes that would allow him to run for re-election in 2028.

Written by B.C. Begley