The German intelligence has identified the PKK as a major threat to the country due to its illegal activities related to recruitment and extortion. The PKK, recognized as a terrorist organization by Turkey and the United States, has been banned in Germany since 1993 and listed as a terrorist entity by the European Union since 2002. The PKK amassed between 16 and 17 million euros in 2023 under the pretext of fundraising campaigns and had 14,000 members in Germany last year, making it the foreign extremist organization with the largest membership in the country.
The PKK has been actively recruiting young supporters, predominantly from Germany and other European countries, for its armed struggle. More than 300 Germans have joined PKK combat units since June 2013, with at least 41 deaths and approximately 160 returning to Germany. The intelligence organization warned about the persistent conflict possibilities due to numerous PKK-orchestrated demonstrations in Germany and the risk of militant actions targeting state buildings and private Turkish institutions.
The PKK within Germany is divided into four sectors and nine regions, each led by an administrative official, and PKK-affiliated associations also operate under this network. The “Confederation of Kurdistan Communities in Germany” is a central organization that mobilizes for terrorism-related events and demonstrations in the spirit of the PKK, engaging in public relations and campaign activities.
Despite numerous extradition requests from Turkey, German authorities have not taken action against PKK members in the country. Additionally, the National Intelligence Organization (MİT) issued a special warning to Germany regarding the PKK’s Syrian branch, YPG, attempting to hold elections in northern Syria.
In conclusion, the PKK poses a significant threat to Germany due to its illegal activities and recruitment efforts within the country. The German intelligence has identified the PKK as the terrorist organization with the largest number of members and great influence among foreign-linked extremists in Germany. The risk of militant actions and persistent conflicts orchestrated by the PKK remains a concern for German authorities.
Article Source
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/amp/german-intel-identifies-pkk-as-major-threat-to-country-197724
