Following a call from Abdullah Öcalan to lay down its arms, the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party) held a disarmament ceremony in southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq) today.

Besê Hozat, co-chair of the KCK (Kurdistan Communities Union) Executive Council, led the group of 15 male and 15 female guerrillas who burned their weapons and belts.

Speaking at the historic ceremony, Besê Hozat said: “We are taking this step in response to Leader Apo's call, the February 27 call, and the decisions of the PKK's 12th Congress.”

Below are images captured by ANF during the disarmament ceremony in the countryside of Sulaymaniyah province, which began at 11:25 a.m. and ended at 11:45 a.m. Kurdistan time.