The Kurdistan Workers Party, a militant organization that seeks an independent Kurdistan, announced it was disbanding, a move that is expected to have wide-ranging consequences throughout the region.

After decades of insurgency, the PKK plans to disarm and disband. Although skepticism still remains over Kurdish gains, lasting peace, and implications for affiliated groups in Syria.

A separatist Kurdish group agreed to lay down arms to end a 40-year war for autonomy against Turkey, a historic step that could strengthen Ankara’s aspirations to become a regional powerhouse.