Introduction

The Kurdistan Workers\’ Party (PKK) fighters have announced they are withdrawing from the unilateral ceasefire they declared after the massive earthquake in Turkey earlier this year.

Return to Violence

An announcement issued by pro-Kurdish media on Tuesday heralds a return to violence that has killed tens of thousands since the PKK began its fight for an independent state in southeastern Turkey in 1984.

Kurdish Response

The Kurdish organization, which also includes the PKK, said it would respond to Turkey\’s resumption of operations.

Cancellation of the Ceasefire

The Kurdish News Agency quoted the Union of Communities of Kurdistan as saying that \”the need for active struggle has become inevitable.\” “We inform you that from today we have canceled the unilateral ceasefire,” the message says.

Turkish Operations

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, re-elected for another five-year term last month, has stepped up his operations against the party and its affiliates in both Iraq and Syria.

Reported Killings

On Wednesday, the Turkish Ministry of Defense reported the killing of 41 YPG and Kurdistan Workers\’ Party (PKK) militants in the Tal Rifaat and Manbij districts in northern Syria.

Temporary Truce

Notably, the Kurdistan Workers\’ Party (PKK) in Turkey announced a temporary truce following the devastating earthquake that claimed thousands of lives last February, in the context of mobilizing opportunities to rescue those trapped under the rubble at the time.

Suspension of Activities

Banned in Turkey, the party then announced a temporary suspension of its activities in Turkey after the devastating earthquake that hit the country and Syria, the party\’s military spokesman said.