In London, six individuals have been apprehended as part of a counter-terrorism inquiry into suspected activities associated with the designated organization Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).
Those detained include a 59-year-old woman, a 27-year-old man, a 31-year-old woman, a 62-year-old man, a 56-year-old man, and a 23-year-old man, all arrested under section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
Authorities are conducting searches at eight locations across the city, which includes the Kurdish Community Centre situated in Haringey, north London.
The police have stated that they do not believe there to be an immediate threat to public safety.
Acting Commander Helen Flanagan of the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command remarked: “This operation has arisen following an extensive investigation concerning activities we suspect are tied to the terrorist organization PKK. These are precise arrests of individuals we believe are involved in terrorist activities associated with the group.”
“I hope these arrests illustrate that we will not accept any form of terrorist actions and that we will respond proactively wherever we perceive that communities in the UK or elsewhere are being jeopardized.”
The Metropolitan Police indicated that the investigation at the community centre is expected to continue for up to two weeks, and the site will remain inaccessible to the public, along with the adjacent areas, while additional officers patrol the streets.
“This inquiry is focused on safeguarding all our communities, particularly those among our Turkish and Kurdish populations,” stated Ms. Flanagan.
“I encourage anyone who believes they may have been influenced or targeted by individuals linked to the PKK to reach out to us.”
“We are also aware that the closure of the community centre may inconvenience some members of the public. Officers will work expeditiously, but due to the serious nature of these allegations, it is crucial that we proceed with care in collecting as much evidence as possible.”
The PKK has been classified as a prohibited organization since 2001 due to its promotion of Kurdish autonomy through both political means and violent resistance.
The government describes the group and its factions as “primarily a separatist movement aiming for an independent Kurdish state in southeastern Turkey.”
