Kurdistan Freedom Hawks: Difference between revisions

Kurdistan Freedom Hawks
Kurdistan Freedom Hawks
Teyrêbazên Azadiya Kurdistan
	Flag of the Kurdistan Freedom Hawks (TAK)
Dates of operation	29 July 2004 – present
Split from	PKK (TAK claim)
Headquarters	Unknown
Active regions	Turkey
Ideology	Kurdish nationalism; Separatism
Size	A few dozen active members (2006)
Opponents	Turkey
Battles and wars	Kurdish–Turkish conflict

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The Kurdistan Freedom Hawks, or TAK (Kurdish: Teyrêbazên Azadiya Kurdistan), is a Kurdish nationalist militant group in Turkey seeking an independent Kurdish state in Turkish Kurdistan (eastern and southeastern Turkey). The group also opposes the Turkish government's policies towards Kurds in Turkey. It has been designated as a terrorist organization by the US, UK and Australian governments.^[3]^[4]^[5]

The group presents itself as a break-away faction of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in open dissent with the PKK's readiness to compromise with the Turkish state. The PKK distances itself from the TAK, stating that the Turkish government uses the TAK to portray the PKK as a terrorist organization in the international arena, that the PKK only targets the Turkish Armed Forces or their proxies, that it always takes responsibility for its attacks, and that there are no links between the PKK and TAK.^[6]^[7] Analysts and experts disagree on whether or not the two groups are in reality linked.^[8]^[9]

The group first appeared in August 2004, just weeks after the PKK called off the 1999 truce, assuming responsibility for two hotel bombings in Istanbul which claimed two victims.^[10] Since then, TAK has followed a strategy of escalation, committing numerous violent bomb attacks throughout Turkey, with a focus on western and central Turkey, including some tourist areas in Istanbul, Ankara, and southern Mediterranean resorts.^[11] TAK also claimed responsibility for the February 2016 Ankara bombing, which killed at least 28 people,^[12]^[13] the March 2016 Ankara bombing in the same city that killed another 37 people, and the December 2016 Istanbul bombings which killed 47 people.^[14]^[15]

Historical context

After several decades of oppressive measures by the Turkish government towards the ethnic Kurdish population of Turkey, the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) was formed in 1978 in an aim to establish equal rights and self-determination for the Kurds in Turkey, who comprise between 18% and 25% of the population.^[16] Since 1984, however, an armed conflict began between the PKK and the Turkish security forces resulting in the deaths of around 7,000 Turkish security personnel and over 30,000 Kurds.^[17]^[18] Throughout the conflict, the European Court of Human Rights has condemned Turkey for thousands of human rights abuses.^[19]^[20]

The judgments are related to executions of Kurdish civilians,^[21] torturing,^[22] forced displacements,^[23] destroyed villages,^[24] arbitrary arrests,^[25] and murdered and disappeared Kurdish journalists.^[26] As a result of a brief PKK cease-fire in 2004, the Kurdistan Freedom Hawks were formed, a group that presents itself as a break-away faction of the PKK and is in open dissent with the PKK's readiness to compromise with the Turkish state. The TAK opposes, through militant action, the treatment of Kurds in Turkey and seeks retaliation for those Kurds who were killed at the hands of the Turkish government.^[27]

Founding philosophy

The TAK seek an independent state of Kurdistan.^[28] The group violently opposes the Turkish government's policies towards its ethnic Kurdish citizens.^[29]^[30]

TAK first appeared in 2004. There is substantial debate on the origin, composition, and affiliations of the group. Some Turkish analysts claim that the group is either a small splinter of or an alias for the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), the most active Kurdish militant group.^[31]^[32]^[33] Others suggest that the group may be totally independent of the PKK, or only loosely connected to it. PKK leaders deny having any control over the TAK. There are some indications that the TAK was founded by disgruntled or former members of the PKK.^[31]^[34]^[33]

Structure

Little is known about the internal structure of the TAK. An employee of the later banned Kurdish German news agency MHA told Süddeutsche Zeitung in 2005 that representatives of the TAK would always remain anonymous and tight-lipped. The Freedom Hawks recruited a new generation of "frustrated young Kurds", raised in the Kurdish diaspora slums of Istanbul, Izmir and Ankara, after their parents had to flee the Kurdish villages depopulated by Turkey in the 1990s. Other Kurdish observers saw the Freedom Hawks as a socially disrooted youth, a new urban guerrilla born out of despair.^[35]

Relationship with the PKK

According to the Jamestown Foundation, the TAK has been a rival to the PKK since 2006.^[2] From then on, the group's operations have been repeatedly at odds with Murat Karayılan's and other PKK leaders' repeated calls for a ceasefire followed by negotiations.^[36] However, Vera Eccarius-Kelly, a scholar of political science, has noted that there are no clear signs that indicate a struggle between the two groups. According to her, whilst TAK repeatedly damaged the PKK's efforts to negotiate cease-fires with "unapproved" bombings, in a way that has been compared to the Real IRA in the Northern Ireland conflict, the fact that there is no such struggle may have two explanations; the TAK may be operating outside the PKK's command structure, or it may be used by the PKK for "specific missions".^[9] TAK's origins however remain controversial.

Some Turkish security analysts alleged that Bahoz Erdal may be the leader of TAK.^[37] Other analysts believe that the group was initially formed by PKK leaders in 2003, when it engaged in illegal demonstrations, roadblocks and occasional Molotov cocktails. TAK has since claimed to have split from the PKK, accusing it of being "passive",^[38] most recently in December 2015, when they criticized the PKK's "humanist character" as inept in the face of "the methods used by the existing Turkish state fascism."^[39]

Some experts say that TAK is affiliated to the PKK; according to France24's correspondent in Turkey, "most" analysts share the view that whilst the TAK is affiliated to the PKK, it enjoys some operational autonomy.^[40] The National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism, an academic research centre funded by the US Department of Homeland Security, describes the TAK as the "special urban terrorism wing" of the PKK.^[41]

This view is shared by the White House, which called TAK the PKK's "urban terrorism wing" in October 2016.^[42] According to The Guardian, "Turkish officials as well as some security analysts say TAK still acts as a militant front of the PKK".^[43] Business Insider has reported that "experts who follow Kurdish militants say the groups retain ties".^[44] Istanbul-based Turkish independent security analyst Metin Gürcan, writing for Al-Monitor, described TAK as "a semi-autonomous, armed outfit that carries out attacks under the PKK umbrella", saying that while the PKK ideologically and financially supports TAK, it allows it to decide on the nature and timing of its attacks.^[45] Gürcan further wrote that the TAK was set up by the PKK but then split from it.^[38]

Aliza Marcus, an expert on the PKK, also expressed her skepticism of the claims of separation by saying, "It would be the first time in the history of the PKK that they allow the existence of any other group representing the Kurds than themselves. In the 1990s, the PKK fought with rival Kurdish groups in Europe, it has killed dissidents within its own ranks. I see no reason why they would allow another group on the stage now."^[46] Marcus believes that it is unlikely that the TAK gets direct orders from PKK but thinks that the PKK has control over TAK's actions.^[47]

Newsweek and Al-Arabiya have written that the group is linked to the PKK while Deutsche Welle has described it as a breakaway from the PKK.^[48]^[49]^[50] In 2012, Human Rights Watch mentioned the TAK in its January 2012 report, calling the TAK "a group linked to PKK".^[51] According to Howard Eissenstat, a Turkey expert at St Lawrence University in New York, the TAK is damaging the PKK's short-term and long-term goals, and it's unlikely that the TAK is under PKK control.^[47]

PKK's spokesman Serhat Varto denied a link between the PKK and the TAK in an interview by saying that the PKK targets only military entities and that it always takes responsibility for its attacks.^[52] PKK leader Cemil Bayik also denied a link or any resemblance between the PKK and the TAK. He went on to claim that the Turkish government carries out attacks in the name of TAK to better characterise the PKK as a terrorist organization in the international arena.^[7]

In 2015, a member of TAK denied links with the PKK, saying "The target perspectives, manner of action, and tactics pursued by the PKK and other Kurdish organisations in war have a quite 'humanist' character in the face of the methods used by the existing Turkish state fascism against the Kurdish people. In this regard, we are not dependent on the target perspectives, manner of action and tactics of these organisations. We as TAK will determine and realize our independent action strategy, tactics and manner in line with the mission we have undertaken.^[53]

According to Stratfor, TAK claims to be separate from the PKK but is in fact the PKK's specialized urban terrorism wing.^[54]

Designation as a terrorist organisation

The group has been designated as a terrorist organization by the US, UK and Australian governments,^[3]^[4]^[5]^[55] as well as by the European Union.^[56] The Turkish government regards the group as part of the PKK and does not list it separately.^[57]

Attacks

TAK has claimed responsibility for a number of attacks against police officers, soldiers, government and business institutions since 2004. Its earliest attacks were small, non-lethal bombings in public places which the group described as "warning actions." These warnings, however, had become deadly by the summer of 2005.

20 people were injured when a bomb exploded at Çeşme, a coastal resort town on July 10, 2005.
Less than one week later, five people were killed and more than a dozen wounded when a bus was blown up in the seaside town of Kuşadası.^[58]^[59] This type of attack against a tourist target is perhaps the signature tactic of TAK. The group has targeted civilians to discourage tourism in Turkey by attacking targets such as hotels and ATMs. TAK claims to have no desire to kill foreigners, only that it wishes to cut off a key source of revenue for the Turkish government.^[34]^[60]^[61]
In 2006 the group's attacks continued, including a failed plot to attack a bus carrying legal officials on April 12, 2006. Five of the group's members were arrested when the plot was broken up.
The group also claimed responsibility for an April 5, 2006 attack on a district office of the Justice and Development Party in Istanbul.^[62]
In March, one person was killed and thirteen injured when TAK detonated a bomb near a bus station in Istanbul.^[62]
On August 28, 2006, The Kurdish Freedom Hawks attacked the resort area of Marmaris with three explosions, at least two of which bombs were hidden in garbage cans.^[59] In the resort city of Antalya, 20 were injured when another explosion went off and 3 were killed. A final bomb detonated in Turkey's largest city of Istanbul where more than 20 people were injured.^[34]^[28] A separate attack is claimed to have been stopped in the port city of İzmir when a raid turned up plastic explosives.^[63]^[64] The group's website states the rash of attacks are revenge for the imprisonment of Abdullah Ocalan, the figurehead for the armed Kurdish nationalist movement.^[65]
On August 30, 2006, the town of Mersin was attacked via a bomb planted in a rubbish container on Inonu street, one person was injured.^[66] The bombing is believed to be linked to the recent attacks by TAK, however they have not claimed responsibility.^[33]^[67]
In the July 2008 bombings, the deadliest attack against civilians in Turkey since 2003, two bombs hit a shopping mile in Güngören district of Istanbul.^[68]
In June 2010, they blew up a military bus in Istanbul, killing four people including 3 soldiers^[69] and a 17-year-old girl. This was received by observers as a "resumption of guerrilla warfare" which "brings to a final end an unofficial truce between the PKK and the government, which last year launched an initiative giving Kurds greater civil rights."^[69]
On October 31, 2010, a suicide bomber detonated a bomb on Taksim Square in Istanbul, Turkey, killing the perpetrator and resulting in 32 injuries, 15 of whom were police officers.^[70] The bombing is believed to be linked to TAK, however they have not claimed responsibility.^[71]
September 20, 2011 3 people died and 34 people were injured in a bomb attack in Ankara. Kurdistan Freedom Hawks claimed the attack.^[72]
On December 23, 2015 Istanbul's Sabiha Gökçen International Airport was hit by mortar fire from the Kurdistan Freedom Hawks.^[73]
On February 17, 2016, the Kurdistan Freedom Hawks attacked military buses in Ankara killing 28 Turkish military personnel and 1 civilian.^[74]^[75]^[76]^[77] The group claimed responsibility two days later, on 19 of February.^[78]^[79]^[80]
On March 13, 2016, a car bombing in the Kizilay district of Ankara killed 37 and injured more than 120 others. TAK claimed responsibility for the attack on March 17.^[81]
On April 27, 2016, a suicide bomber blew herself up in the northwestern city of Bursa leaving thirteen people wounded. TAK claimed responsibility for the Bursa attack on May 1, 2016.^[82]
On June 7, 2016, a bomb targeting a police bus in Istanbul detonated, killing seven police officers and four civilians. TAK claimed responsibility for the bomb, warning tourists that Turkey wouldn't be a safe destination any longer.^[83]
On October 6, 2016, Kurdistan Freedom Hawks (TAK) claimed responsibility a bomb attack was carried out in İstanbul's Yenibosna district outside of police station on October 6, causing 10 civilians to get wounded.^[84]
On November 24, 2016, TAK claimed responsibility for a car bomb attack that killed two people and wounded 30 more in the Turkish city of Adana, according to a statement on its website.
On December 10, 2016, a car bombing and a suicide bomber in the Beşiktaş district of Istanbul killed 46 people, of which 37 were police officers, and injured at least 160 others. TAK claimed responsibility for the attack the day after.^[15]
On December 20, 2016, TAK claimed responsibility for Kayseri bombing which killed 14 soldiers.^[85]^[86]^[87]
On January 11, 2017, TAK claimed responsibility for İzmir attack which killed 2 people and wounded 9 others ^[88]
On November 10, 2017 The female TAK Fighter Çiçek Karabulut was killed with a hand grenade after a gunfight in Mardin, Mardin Province. The organization claimed this incident in a statement published on January 17, 2018.^[89]^[90]

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Bibliography

Eccarius-Kelly, Vera (2011). The Militant Kurds: A Dual Strategy for Freedom. Praeger. ISBN 978-0-313-36468-6. Archived from the original on 2023-10-16. Retrieved 2016-02-21.

External links

Profile of the Kurdistan Freedom Hawks at the Global Terrorism Database

[1] "Terrorist Organization Profile:Kurdistan Freedom Hawks". Archived from the original on February 6, 2011. Retrieved January 8, 2011.

[Jamestown-2] James Brandon. "The Kurdistan Freedom Hawks Emerges as a Rival to the PKK". Terrorism Focus. 3 (40). The Jamestown Foundation. Archived from the original on 2010-12-25. Retrieved 2011-02-04.

[USterrorist-3] "U.S. labels Kurdish group as terrorist". CNN. 1 November 2008. Archived from the original on 14 August 2018. Retrieved 1 November 2008.

[EUterrorist-4] Council Common Position 2008/586/CFSP updating Common Position 2001/931/CFSP on the application of specific measures to combat terrorism and repealing Common Position 2007/871/CFSP, Official Journal of the European Union L 188/71, 16.07.2008., eur-lex.europa.eu

[UKterrorist-5] "Proscribed terrorist groups". Archived from the original on December 24, 2008. Retrieved February 9, 2009.

[6] Türkçe, B. B. C. "PKK, TAK'ın saldırılarını neden durdurmuyor?". BBC Türkçe. Archived from the original on 14 December 2016. Retrieved 11 December 2016.

[www.beaconreader.com-7] Geerdink, Fréderike. "PKK co-leader Cemil Bayik: 'What are we supposed to do? Surrender? Never.'". www.beaconreader.com. Archived from the original on 2016-09-19. Retrieved 12 September 2016.

[8] "After Ankara bombing, questions over PKK-TAK ties resurface". Archived from the original on 1 July 2018. Retrieved 18 March 2016.

[FOOTNOTEEccarius-Kelly201136_f-9] Eccarius-Kelly 2011, pp. 36 f.

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{Redirect|Kurdistan Freedom Falcons|the armed Peshmerga units in Iran|Kurdistan Freedom Party}}
+{{Short description|Kurdish nationalist militant group in Turkey}}
 {{Infobox war faction
 |name=Kurdistan Freedom Hawks
@@ Line 7: / Line 9: @@
 |image=[[File:Tak Flag.jpg]]
 |caption=Flag of the Kurdistan Freedom Hawks (TAK)
-|active={{start date|2004|07|29|df=y}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.globalpost.com/webblog/turkey/terrorist-organization-profilekurdistan-freedom-hawks|accessdate=January 8, 2011|deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110206091908/http://www.globalpost.com/webblog/turkey/terrorist-organization-profilekurdistan-freedom-hawks|archivedate=February 6, 2011|title=Terrorist Organization Profile:Kurdistan Freedom Hawks}}</ref> – present
+|active={{start date|2004|07|29|df=y}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.globalpost.com/webblog/turkey/terrorist-organization-profilekurdistan-freedom-hawks|access-date=January 8, 2011|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110206091908/http://www.globalpost.com/webblog/turkey/terrorist-organization-profilekurdistan-freedom-hawks|archive-date=February 6, 2011|title=Terrorist Organization Profile:Kurdistan Freedom Hawks}}</ref> – present
 |leaders=
 |headquarters=''Unknown''
-|area=[[Turkey]], [[Iraq]], [[Syria]], [[Iran]]
+|area=[[Turkey]]
 |ideology=[[Kurdish nationalism]]<br/>[[Separatism]]
-|strength=A few dozen active members (2006)<ref name=Jamestown>{{cite journal|author=James Brandon|title=The Kurdistan Freedom Hawks Emerges as a Rival to the PKK|journal=Terrorism Focus|publisher=[[The Jamestown Foundation]]|volume=3|issue=40|url=http://www.jamestown.org/single/?no_cache=1&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=936}}</ref>
+|size=A few dozen active members (2006)<ref name=Jamestown>{{cite journal|author=James Brandon|title=The Kurdistan Freedom Hawks Emerges as a Rival to the PKK|journal=Terrorism Focus|publisher=[[The Jamestown Foundation]]|volume=3|issue=40|url=http://www.jamestown.org/single/?no_cache=1&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=936|access-date=2011-02-04|archive-date=2010-12-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101225075250/http://www.jamestown.org/single/?no_cache=1&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=936|url-status=live}}</ref>
 |split_from={{flagicon image|Flag of Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).svg}} [[Kurdistan Workers' Party|PKK]] <small>(TAK claim)</small>
 |opponents={{flag|Turkey}}
 |battles=[[Kurdish–Turkish conflict (1978–present)|Kurdish–Turkish conflict]]}}
+The '''Kurdistan Freedom Hawks''', or '''TAK''' ({{langx|ku|Teyrêbazên Azadiya Kurdistan}}), is a [[Kurdish nationalism|Kurdish nationalist]] militant group in Turkey seeking an independent Kurdish state in [[Turkish Kurdistan]] (eastern and southeastern [[Turkey]]). The group also opposes the Turkish government's policies towards [[Kurds in Turkey]]. It has been designated as a terrorist organization by the US, UK and Australian governments.<ref name=USterrorist>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/01/11/us.turkey/index.html?section=cnn_latest |title=U.S. labels Kurdish group as terrorist |publisher=CNN |access-date=1 November 2008 |date=1 November 2008 |archive-date=14 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180814040742/http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/01/11/us.turkey/index.html?section=cnn_latest |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=EUterrorist>Council Common Position 2008/586/CFSP updating Common Position 2001/931/CFSP on the application of specific measures to combat terrorism and repealing Common Position 2007/871/CFSP, ''Official Journal of the European Union'' L 188/71, 16.07.2008., [https://archive.today/20120726173743/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2008:188:0071:0076:EN:PDF eur-lex.europa.eu]</ref><ref name=UKterrorist>{{cite web|url=http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/security/terrorism-and-the-law/terrorism-act/proscribed-groups |access-date=February 9, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081224134701/http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/security/terrorism-and-the-law/terrorism-act/proscribed-groups |archive-date=December 24, 2008|title=Proscribed terrorist groups }}</ref>
-The '''Kurdistan Freedom Hawks''' or '''TAK''' ({{lang-ku|''Teyrêbazên Azadiya Kurdistan''}}), is a [[Kurdish nationalism|Kurdish nationalist]] militant group in Turkey seeking an independent Kurdish state in [[Turkish Kurdistan|eastern and southeastern Turkey]]. The group also opposes the Turkish government’s policies towards its ethnic Kurdish citizens.
-The group presents itself as a break-away faction of the [[Kurdistan Workers Party]] (PKK) in open dissent with the PKK's readiness to compromise with the Turkish state. Analysts and experts disagree on whether or not the two groups are in reality still linked.<ref>{{cite news|title=After Ankara bombing, questions over PKK-TAK ties resurface|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/columns/after-ankara-bomning-questions-over-pkk-tak-ties-resurface-1097219220|accessdate=18 March 2016}}</ref>{{sfn|Eccarius-Kelly|2011|pp=36 f}}
+The group presents itself as a break-away faction of the [[Kurdistan Workers Party]] (PKK) in open dissent with the PKK's readiness to compromise with the Turkish state.
+The PKK distances itself from the TAK, stating that the Turkish government uses the TAK to portray the PKK as a terrorist organization in the international arena, that the PKK only targets the [[Turkish Armed Forces]] or their proxies, that it always takes responsibility for its attacks, and that there are no links between the PKK and TAK.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Türkçe|first1=B. B. C.|title=PKK, TAK'ın saldırılarını neden durdurmuyor?|url=http://www.bbc.com/turkce/haberler/2016/03/160318_kck_rop|access-date=11 December 2016|work=BBC Türkçe|archive-date=14 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161214134128/http://www.bbc.com/turkce/haberler/2016/03/160318_kck_rop|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="www.beaconreader.com">{{cite news|last1=Geerdink|first1=Fréderike|title=PKK co-leader Cemil Bayik: 'What are we supposed to do? Surrender? Never.'|url=https://www.beaconreader.com/frederike-geerdink/pkk-co-leader-camil-bayik-what-are-we-supposed-to-do-surrender-never|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919211142/https://www.beaconreader.com/frederike-geerdink/pkk-co-leader-camil-bayik-what-are-we-supposed-to-do-surrender-never|archive-date=2016-09-19|access-date=12 September 2016|work=www.beaconreader.com}}</ref> Analysts and experts disagree on whether or not the two groups are in reality linked.<ref>{{cite news|title=After Ankara bombing, questions over PKK-TAK ties resurface|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/columns/after-ankara-bomning-questions-over-pkk-tak-ties-resurface-1097219220|access-date=18 March 2016|archive-date=1 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701103226/http://www.middleeasteye.net/columns/after-ankara-bomning-questions-over-pkk-tak-ties-resurface-1097219220|url-status=live}}</ref>{{sfn|Eccarius-Kelly|2011|pp=36 f}}
-The group first appeared in August 2004, just weeks after the PKK called off the 1999 truce, assuming responsibility for two hotel bombings in [[Istanbul]] which claimed two victims.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bomb in waist pack triggered Turkey blast |agency=[[Agence France-Presse|AFP]] |date=17 July 2005}}</ref> Since then, TAK has followed a strategy of escalation, committing numerous violent bomb attacks throughout [[Turkey]], with a focus on western and central Turkey, including some tourist areas in [[Istanbul]], [[Ankara]], and southern Mediterranean resorts.{{sfn|Eccarius-Kelly|2011|p=35}} TAK also claimed responsibility for the [[February 2016 Ankara bombing]], which killed at least 28 people,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Dolan|first1=David|title=Kurdish militant group TAK claims responsibility for Ankara bombing|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-blast-kurds-idUSKCN0VS245|publisher=Reuters|date=Feb 19, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=KAPLAN|first1=MICHAEL|title=Ankara Bombing Update: Kurdish Militant Group TAK Claims Responsibility For Attack|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/ankara-bombing-update-kurdish-militant-group-tak-claims-responsibility-attack-2315010|work=International Business Times|date=Feb 19, 2016}}</ref><ref name=Guardiantak>{{cite news|last1=Letsch|first1=Constanze|title=Kurdish militant group Tak claims responsibility for Ankara car bomb|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/feb/19/kurdish-rebels-claim-responsibility-for-ankara-car-bomb|work=The Guardian|date=February 19, 2016}}</ref> the [[March 2016 Ankara bombing]] in the same city that killed another 37 people, and the [[December 2016 Istanbul bombings]] which killed 47 people.<ref>[http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35829231 Ankara blast: Kurdish group TAK claims bombing - BBC News] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161214052341/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35829231 |date=December 14, 2016 }}</ref><ref name="autogenerated1">[http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-38280638 Istanbul stadium attacks: Kurdish TAK group claim attacks - BBC News<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220235438/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-38280638 |date=December 20, 2016 }}</ref>
+The group first appeared in August 2004, just weeks after the PKK called off the [[1991%E2%80%932004_Kurdish%E2%80%93Turkish_peace_initiatives#Third_unilateral_ceasefire_by_the_PKK_1998%E2%80%932004|1999 truce]], assuming responsibility for two hotel bombings in [[Istanbul]] which claimed two victims.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bomb in waist pack triggered Turkey blast |agency=[[Agence France-Presse|AFP]] |date=17 July 2005}}</ref> Since then, TAK has followed a strategy of escalation, committing numerous violent bomb attacks throughout [[Turkey]], with a focus on western and central Turkey, including some tourist areas in [[Istanbul]], [[Ankara]], and southern Mediterranean resorts.{{sfn|Eccarius-Kelly|2011|p=35}} TAK also claimed responsibility for the [[February 2016 Ankara bombing]], which killed at least 28 people,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Dolan|first1=David|title=Kurdish militant group TAK claims responsibility for Ankara bombing|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-blast-kurds-idUSKCN0VS245|work=Reuters|date=Feb 19, 2016|access-date=July 2, 2017|archive-date=June 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170620125835/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-blast-kurds-idUSKCN0VS245|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Guardiantak>{{cite news|last1=Letsch|first1=Constanze|title=Kurdish militant group Tak claims responsibility for Ankara car bomb|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/feb/19/kurdish-rebels-claim-responsibility-for-ankara-car-bomb|work=The Guardian|date=February 19, 2016|access-date=December 17, 2016|archive-date=November 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161109184530/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/feb/19/kurdish-rebels-claim-responsibility-for-ankara-car-bomb|url-status=live}}</ref> the [[March 2016 Ankara bombing]] in the same city that killed another 37 people, and the [[December 2016 Istanbul bombings]] which killed 47 people.<ref>[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35829231 Ankara blast: Kurdish group TAK claims bombing – BBC News] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161214052341/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35829231 |date=December 14, 2016 }}</ref><ref name="autogenerated1">[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-38280638 Istanbul stadium attacks: Kurdish TAK group claim attacks – BBC News<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive |url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20161212013513/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-38280638 |date=December 12, 2016 }}</ref>
 ==Historical context==
-After several decades of oppressive measures by the Turkish government towards the ethnic Kurdish population of Turkey, the [[Kurdistan Workers' Party]] (PKK) was formed in 1978 in an aim to establish [[Human rights of Kurdish people in Turkey|equal]] rights and [[self-determination]] for the [[Kurds in Turkey]], who comprise between 18% and 25% of the population.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Diener|first1=Alexander C.|last2=Hagen|first2=Joshua|title=Borderlines and borderlands : political oddities at the edge of the nation-state|date=2010|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield Publishers|location=Lanham, Md.|isbn=0742556352|page=114}}</ref> Since 1984, however, [[Kurdish–Turkish conflict (1978-present)|an armed conflict]] began between the PKK and the Turkish security forces resulting in the deaths of around 7,000 Turkish security personnel and over 30,000 Kurds.<ref>{{cite book|editor1-last=Kreyenbroek|editor1-first=Philip G.|editor2-last=Sperl|editor2-first=Stefan|title=The Kurds: A Contemporary Overview|date=2005|publisher=Routledge|isbn=1134907664|page=58}}</ref><ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/print/country/countrypdf_tu.pdf "The World Factbook: Turkey"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714053809/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/print/country/countrypdf_tu.pdf |date=July 14, 2014 }}</ref> Throughout the conflict, the [[European Court of Human Rights]] has condemned Turkey for thousands of human rights abuses.<ref>{{cite news|title=EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS: Turkey Ranks First in Violations in between 1959-2011|url=http://bianet.org/english/human-rights/138337-turkey-ranks-first-in-violations-in-between-1959-2011|accessdate=29 December 2015|work=Bianet - Bagimsiz Iletisim Agi}}</ref><ref name="AnnualETCHR">{{cite journal|title=Annual report|date=2014|issue=The European Court of Human Rights|url=http://echr.coe.int/Documents/Annual_Report_2014_ENG.pdf|accessdate=29 December 2015}}</ref> The judgments are related to executions of Kurdish civilians,<ref>{{cite journal|title=The European Court of Human Rights: Case of Benzer and others v. Turkey|date=24 March 2014|issue=Mass execution of Kurdish villagers|page=57|url=http://hudoc.echr.coe.int/app/conversion/pdf/?library=ECHR&id=001-128036&filename=001-128036.pdf|accessdate=29 December 2015}}</ref> torturing,<ref name="tort1" >{{cite journal|title=The prohibition of torture|date=2003|issue=Torturing|pages=11, 13|url=http://www.echr.coe.int/LibraryDocs/HR%20handbooks/handbook06_en.pdf|accessdate=29 December 2015}}</ref> forced displacements,<ref>{{cite book|title=Human Rights Watch|date=2002|publisher=HRW|accessdate=29 December 2015|ref=https://books.google.com/books?id=blm_4gIcaZoC&pg=PA7|page=7}}</ref> destroyed villages,<ref name="vilg2" >{{cite book|last1=Abdulla|first1=Jamal Jalal|title=The Kurds: A Nation on the Way to Statehood|publisher=AuthorHouse|isbn=9781467879729|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=usQ2i-P7oPIC&pg=PA36|accessdate=29 December 2015|page=36}}</ref> arbitrary arrests,<ref>{{cite journal|title=Police arrest and assistance of a lawyer|date=2015|page=1|url=http://www.echr.coe.int/Documents/FS_Police_arrest_ENG.pdf}}</ref> murdered and disappeared Kurdish journalists.<ref>{{cite news|title=Justice Comes from European Court for a Kurdish Journalist |url=http://www.khrp.org/khrp-news/news-archive/2000-news/189-justice-comes-from-european-court-for-a-murdered-kurdish-journalist.html|access-date=29 December 2015|work=Kurdish Human Rights Project}}</ref> As a result of a brief [[Kurdish–Turkish_conflict_(1978–present)#1999.E2.80.932004:_Unilateral_ceasefire|cease-fire]] in 2004, the Kurdistan Freedom Hawks were formed, a group that presents itself as a break-away faction of the PKK and is in open dissent with the PKK's readiness to compromise with the Turkish state. The TAK opposes, through militant action, the treatment of Kurds in Turkey and seeks retaliation for those Kurds who were killed at the hands of the Turkish government.<ref>{{cite news|title=Who are the Kurdistan Freedom Hawks?|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-49538720100622|agency=Reuters|date=22 June 2010}}</ref>
+After several decades of oppressive measures by the Turkish government towards the ethnic Kurdish population of Turkey, the [[Kurdistan Workers' Party]] (PKK) was formed in 1978 in an aim to establish [[Human rights of Kurdish people in Turkey|equal]] rights and [[self-determination]] for the [[Kurds in Turkey]], who comprise between 18% and 25% of the population.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Diener|first1=Alexander C.|last2=Hagen|first2=Joshua|title=Borderlines and borderlands : political oddities at the edge of the nation-state|url=https://archive.org/details/borderlinesborde00hage|url-access=limited|date=2010|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield Publishers|location=Lanham, Md.|isbn=978-0742556355|page=[https://archive.org/details/borderlinesborde00hage/page/n124 114]}}</ref> Since 1984, however, [[Kurdish–Turkish conflict (1978-present)|an armed conflict]] began between the PKK and the Turkish security forces resulting in the deaths of around 7,000 Turkish security personnel and over 30,000 Kurds.<ref>{{cite book|editor1-last=Kreyenbroek|editor1-first=Philip G.|editor2-last=Sperl|editor2-first=Stefan|title=The Kurds: A Contemporary Overview|date=2005|publisher=Routledge|isbn=1134907664|page=58}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/colombia/ |title="The World Factbook: Turkey" |access-date=2021-01-24 |archive-date=2021-06-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618105825/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/colombia/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Throughout the conflict, the [[European Court of Human Rights]] has condemned Turkey for thousands of human rights abuses.<ref>{{cite news|title=EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS: Turkey Ranks First in Violations in between 1959–2011|url=http://bianet.org/english/human-rights/138337-turkey-ranks-first-in-violations-in-between-1959-2011|access-date=29 December 2015|work=Bianet – Bagimsiz Iletisim Agi|archive-date=20 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160120213619/http://bianet.org/english/human-rights/138337-turkey-ranks-first-in-violations-in-between-1959-2011|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="AnnualETCHR">{{cite journal|title=Annual report|date=2014|issue=The European Court of Human Rights|url=http://echr.coe.int/Documents/Annual_Report_2014_ENG.pdf|access-date=29 December 2015|archive-date=16 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200916202355/https://echr.coe.int/Documents/Annual_Report_2014_ENG.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
+The judgments are related to executions of Kurdish civilians,<ref>{{cite journal|title=The European Court of Human Rights: Case of Benzer and others v. Turkey|date=24 March 2014|issue=Mass execution of Kurdish villagers|page=57|url=http://hudoc.echr.coe.int/app/conversion/pdf/?library=ECHR&id=001-128036&filename=001-128036.pdf|access-date=29 December 2015|archive-date=3 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200603071012/https://hudoc.echr.coe.int/app/conversion/pdf/?library=ECHR&id=001-128036&filename=001-128036.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> torturing,<ref name="tort1" >{{cite journal|title=The prohibition of torture|date=2003|issue=Torturing|pages=11, 13|url=http://www.echr.coe.int/LibraryDocs/HR%20handbooks/handbook06_en.pdf|access-date=29 December 2015|archive-date=2 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200602060735/https://www.echr.coe.int/LibraryDocs/HR%20handbooks/handbook06_en.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> forced displacements,<ref>{{cite book|title=Human Rights Watch|date=2002|publisher=HRW|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=blm_4gIcaZoC&pg=PA7|page=7}}</ref> destroyed villages,<ref name="vilg2" >{{cite book|last1=Abdulla|first1=Jamal Jalal|title=The Kurds: A Nation on the Way to Statehood|publisher=AuthorHouse|isbn=9781467879729|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=usQ2i-P7oPIC&pg=PA36|access-date=29 December 2015|page=36|date=2012-02-07}}</ref> arbitrary arrests,<ref>{{cite journal|title=Police arrest and assistance of a lawyer|date=2015|page=1|url=http://www.echr.coe.int/Documents/FS_Police_arrest_ENG.pdf|access-date=2016-12-12|archive-date=2020-02-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212041847/https://www.echr.coe.int/Documents/FS_Police_arrest_ENG.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> and murdered and disappeared Kurdish journalists.<ref>{{cite news|title=Justice Comes from European Court for a Kurdish Journalist|url=http://www.khrp.org/khrp-news/news-archive/2000-news/189-justice-comes-from-european-court-for-a-murdered-kurdish-journalist.html|access-date=29 December 2015|work=Kurdish Human Rights Project|archive-date=3 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003205237/http://www.khrp.org/khrp-news/news-archive/2000-news/189-justice-comes-from-european-court-for-a-murdered-kurdish-journalist.html|url-status=live}}</ref> As a result of a brief PKK [[Kurdish–Turkish conflict (1978–present)#1999.E2.80.932004: Unilateral ceasefire|cease-fire]] in 2004, the Kurdistan Freedom Hawks were formed, a group that presents itself as a break-away faction of the PKK and is in open dissent with the PKK's readiness to compromise with the Turkish state. The TAK opposes, through militant action, the treatment of Kurds in Turkey and seeks retaliation for those Kurds who were killed at the hands of the Turkish government.<ref>{{cite news|title=Who are the Kurdistan Freedom Hawks?|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-49538720100622|work=Reuters|date=22 June 2010|access-date=12 December 2016|archive-date=20 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220143807/http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-49538720100622|url-status=dead}}</ref>
 ==Founding philosophy==
-The TAK are seeking an independent Kurdish state that includes eastern and southeastern Turkey.<ref name="IBNLive">{{cite news|title=Serial bomb blasts rock Turkey |publisher=IBNLive |date=2006-08-29 |url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/serial-bomb-blasts-rock-turkey/20044-2.html |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060901043534/http://www.ibnlive.com/news/serial-bomb-blasts-rock-turkey/20044-2.html |archivedate=September 1, 2006 }}</ref> The group has been violently opposed to the Turkish government’s policies towards its ethnic Kurdish citizens.<ref name="TheIndependent2">{{cite news
+The TAK seek an independent state of [[Kurdistan]].<ref name="IBNLive">{{cite news|title=Serial bomb blasts rock Turkey |publisher=IBNLive |date=2006-08-29 |url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/serial-bomb-blasts-rock-turkey/20044-2.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060901043534/http://www.ibnlive.com/news/serial-bomb-blasts-rock-turkey/20044-2.html |archive-date=September 1, 2006 }}</ref> The group violently opposes the Turkish government's policies towards its ethnic Kurdish citizens.<ref name="TheIndependent2">{{cite news
-  |title=The Big Question: Who is behind the bombings in Turkey, and what do they want?
+ |title       = The Big Question: Who is behind the bombings in Turkey, and what do they want?
-  |work=The Independent
+ |work        = The Independent
-  |date=2006-08-30
+ |date        = 2006-08-30
-  |url=http://news.independent.co.uk/europe/article1222557.ece
+ |url         = http://news.independent.co.uk/europe/article1222557.ece
-  |location=London |first=Justin
+ |location    = London
+ |first       = Justin
-  |last=Huggler |accessdate=2010-05-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://tkb.org/Group.jsp?groupID=4381 |title=Kurdistan Freedom Hawks |publisher=MIPT Terrorism Knowledge Base |accessdate=August 19, 2006 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060825224841/http://www.tkb.org/Group.jsp?groupID=4381 |archivedate=August 25, 2006 }}</ref>
+ |last        = Huggler
+ |access-date  = 2010-05-07
+ |url-status     = dead
+ |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20070930202559/http://news.independent.co.uk/europe/article1222557.ece
+ |archive-date = 2007-09-30
+}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://tkb.org/Group.jsp?groupID=4381 |title=Kurdistan Freedom Hawks |publisher=MIPT Terrorism Knowledge Base |access-date=August 19, 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060825224841/http://www.tkb.org/Group.jsp?groupID=4381 |archive-date=August 25, 2006 }}</ref>
 TAK first appeared in 2004. There is substantial debate on the origin, composition, and affiliations of the group. Some Turkish analysts claim that the group is either a small splinter of or an alias for the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), the most active Kurdish militant group.<ref name="HoustonChron">{{cite news
-  |title=Militant Kurds warn of wreaking havo
+  |title=Militant Kurds warn of wreaking havoc
   |work=Houston Chronicle |date=2006-08-30
   |url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/world/4149734.html
-  |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060902014639/http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/world/4149734.html
+  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060902014639/http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/world/4149734.html
-  |archivedate=2006-09-02}}</ref><ref name="Telegraph">{{cite news|title=Turkish blast injures woman |publisher=Telegraph |date=2006-08-30 |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/08/30/uturkey.xml |location=London }}{{Dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref name="ReutersTwo">{{cite news|title=Blast in Turkish port wounds one-officials|publisher=Reuters|date=2006-08-30|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/30/AR2006083000638.html}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref> Others, however, suggest that the group may be totally independent of the PKK, or only loosely connected to it. PKK leaders deny having any control over the TAK. There are some indications that the TAK was founded by disgruntled or former members of the PKK.<ref name="HoustonChron" /> Though the TAK has not articulated a specific platform beyond enmity with the Turkish regime, it is likely the group at least supports the PKK's former goal of an independent Kurdistan.<ref name="ReutersAlert">{{cite news|title=Kurdish rebels say they planted Turkish resort bomb|publisher=Reuters AlertNet|date=2006-08-29|url=http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L29922136.htm}}</ref><ref name="ReutersTwo" />
+  |archive-date=2006-09-02}}</ref><ref name="Telegraph">{{cite news |title=Turkish blast injures woman |newspaper=Telegraph |date=2006-08-30 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/08/30/uturkey.xml |location=London |access-date=2020-02-20 }}{{dead link|date=July 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref name="ReutersTwo">{{cite news|title=Blast in Turkish port wounds one-officials|agency=Reuters|date=2006-08-30|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/30/AR2006083000638.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024130057/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/30/AR2006083000638.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2012-10-24}}</ref> Others suggest that the group may be totally independent of the PKK, or only loosely connected to it. PKK leaders deny having any control over the TAK. There are some indications that the TAK was founded by disgruntled or former members of the PKK.<ref name="HoustonChron" /><ref name="ReutersAlert">{{cite news|title=Kurdish rebels say they planted Turkish resort bomb|publisher=Reuters AlertNet|date=2006-08-29|url=http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L29922136.htm|access-date=2006-08-29|archive-date=2006-08-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060829225407/http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L29922136.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ReutersTwo" />
 ==Structure==
-Little is known about the internal structure of the TAK, and apparently not even the Turkish secret service [[MİT]] succeeded in elucidating the organization. An employee of the later banned [[Kurds in Germany|Kurdish German]] news agency MHA told ''[[Süddeutsche Zeitung]]'' in 2005 that representatives of the TAK would always remain anonymous and tight-lipped. The ''Freedom Hawks'' recruited a new generation of "frustrated young Kurds", raised in the slums of Istanbul, Izmir and Ankara, after their parents had to flee their Kurdish villages in the 1990s. Other Kurdish observers saw the Freedom Hawks as a socially disrooted youth, a new [[urban guerilla]] born out of despair.<ref>{{cite magazine |author=Alexander Schwabe |title=Kurdische Freiheitsfalken, Boten der Hölle |trans-title=Kurdistan Freedom Hawks, the messengers of hell |magazine=[[Der Spiegel]] |url=http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/0,1518,434388,00.html |date=30 August 2006 |accessdate=9 June 2016 |language=de}}{{dead link|date=December 2016}}</ref>
+Little is known about the internal structure of the TAK. An employee of the later banned [[Kurds in Germany|Kurdish German]] news agency MHA told ''[[Süddeutsche Zeitung]]'' in 2005 that representatives of the TAK would always remain anonymous and tight-lipped. The ''Freedom Hawks'' recruited a new generation of "frustrated young Kurds", raised in the [[Kurdish diaspora]] slums of Istanbul, Izmir and Ankara, after their parents had to flee the [[Kurdish villages depopulated by Turkey]] in the 1990s. Other Kurdish observers saw the Freedom Hawks as a socially disrooted youth, a new [[urban guerrilla]] born out of despair.<ref>{{cite magazine|author=Alexander Schwabe |title=Kurdische Freiheitsfalken, Boten der Hölle |trans-title=Kurdistan Freedom Hawks, the messengers of hell |magazine=[[Der Spiegel]] |url=http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/0,1518,434388,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081012113630/http://www.spiegel.de/politik/ausland/0%2C1518%2C434388%2C00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 October 2008 |date=30 August 2006 |access-date=9 June 2016 |language=de }}</ref>
 == Relationship with the PKK ==
-According to the [[Jamestown Foundation]], TAK has been a rival to the PKK since 2006.<ref name=Jamestown /> From then on, the group's operations have been repeatedly at odds with [[Murat Karayılan]]'s and other PKK leaders' repeated calls for a ceasefire followed by negotiations.<ref>{{cite book |author=Jonathan D. Hutzley |title=Unmasking Terror: A Global Review of Terrorist Activities, Volume 3 |publisher=[[Jamestown Foundation]] |year=2007 |ISBN=0967500966 |url={{Google books|84baAAAAMAAJ|keywords=Kurdistan Freedom Falcons|plainurl=y}} |page=130}}</ref> However, Vera Eccarius-Kelly, a scholar of political science, has noted that there are no clear signs that indicate a struggle between the two groups, in contrast to previous murders of {{clarify||text=threats to the authority of PKK leadership by the PKK|date=December 2016}}. According to her, whilst TAK repeatedly damaged the PKK's efforts to negotiate cease-fires with "unapproved" bombings, in a way that has been compared to the [[Real Irish Republican Army|Real IRA]] in the [[The Troubles|Northern Ireland conflict]], the fact that there is no such struggle may have two explanations: TAK may be operating outside the PKK's command structure, or it may be used by the PKK for "specific missions".{{sfn|Eccarius-Kelly|2011|pp=36 f}} TAK's origins however remain controversial. Some Turkish security analysts alleged that [[Bahoz Erdal]] may be the leader of TAK.{{sfn|Eccarius-Kelly|2011|p=212}} Other analysts believe that the group was initially formed by PKK leaders in 2003, when it engaged in illegal demonstrations, roadblocks and occasional Molotov cocktails. TAK has since claimed to have split from the PKK, accusing it of being "passive". Since then, the PKK claimed none of TAK's actions<ref name=almonitor>{{cite web |author=Metin Gürcan |title=Are clashes spreading to western Turkey? |work=[[Al Monitor]] |url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/12/turkey-kurdish-militant-clashes-pkk-tak.html |date=30 December 2015 |accessdate=21 February 2016}}</ref> most recently in December 2015, they criticized the PKK's "humanist character" as inept in the face of "the methods used by the existing Turkish state fascism."<ref name="ANF">{{cite news |title=TAK: We aren't dependent on PKK, our actions will spread |agency=[[Firat News Agency|ANF]] |url=http://www.anfenglish.com/kurdistan/tak-we-aren-t-dependent-on-pkk-our-actions-will-spread |date=31 December 2015 |accessdate=21 February 2016}}</ref>
+According to the [[Jamestown Foundation]], the TAK has been a rival to the PKK since 2006.<ref name=Jamestown /> From then on, the group's operations have been repeatedly at odds with [[Murat Karayılan]]'s and other PKK leaders' repeated calls for a ceasefire followed by negotiations.<ref>{{cite book|author=Jonathan D. Hutzley |title=Unmasking Terror: A Global Review of Terrorist Activities, Volume 3 |publisher=[[Jamestown Foundation]] |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-9675009-6-6 |url={{Google books|84baAAAAMAAJ|keywords=Kurdistan Freedom Falcons|plainurl=y}} |page=130 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/628q51XQN?url=http://www.billboard.com/#/artist/Rihanna/chart-history/658897?f=793&g=Singles |archive-date=2011-10-02 }}</ref> However, Vera Eccarius-Kelly, a scholar of political science, has noted that there are no clear signs that indicate a struggle between the two groups. According to her, whilst TAK repeatedly damaged the PKK's efforts to negotiate cease-fires with "unapproved" bombings, in a way that has been compared to the [[Real Irish Republican Army|Real IRA]] in the [[The Troubles|Northern Ireland conflict]], the fact that there is no such struggle may have two explanations; the TAK may be operating outside the PKK's command structure, or it may be used by the PKK for "specific missions".{{sfn|Eccarius-Kelly|2011|pp=36 f}} TAK's origins however remain controversial.
+Some Turkish security analysts alleged that [[Bahoz Erdal]] may be the leader of TAK.{{sfn|Eccarius-Kelly|2011|p=212}} Other analysts believe that the group was initially formed by PKK leaders in 2003, when it engaged in illegal demonstrations, roadblocks and occasional Molotov cocktails. TAK has since claimed to have split from the PKK, accusing it of being "passive",<ref name=almonitor>{{cite web |author=Metin Gürcan |title=Are clashes spreading to western Turkey? |publisher=[[Al Monitor]] |url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/12/turkey-kurdish-militant-clashes-pkk-tak.html |date=30 December 2015 |access-date=21 February 2016 |archive-date=20 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220203359/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/12/turkey-kurdish-militant-clashes-pkk-tak.html |url-status=live }}</ref> most recently in December 2015, when they criticized the PKK's "humanist character" as inept in the face of "the methods used by the existing Turkish state fascism."<ref name="ANF">{{cite news |title=TAK: We aren't dependent on PKK, our actions will spread |agency=[[Firat News Agency|ANF]] |url=http://www.anfenglish.com/kurdistan/tak-we-aren-t-dependent-on-pkk-our-actions-will-spread |date=31 December 2015 |access-date=21 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160221080118/http://www.anfenglish.com/kurdistan/tak-we-aren-t-dependent-on-pkk-our-actions-will-spread |archive-date=21 February 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
-Some experts say that TAK is financed and trained by the PKK; according to [[France24]]'s correspondent in Turkey, "most" analysts share this view and whilst TAK is affiliated to the PKK, it enjoys some operational autonomy.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kurdish militant group with ties to PKK claims Ankara bombing|url=http://www.france24.com/en/20160317-kurdish-militant-group-tied-pkk-says-it-was-behind-ankara-bombing|publisher=France24|accessdate=18 March 2016}}</ref> The [[National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism]], an academic research centre specialising on terrorism, considers TAK the "special urban terrorism wing" of the PKK.<ref name=cons>{{cite web|title=Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK)|url=https://www.start.umd.edu/baad/narratives/kurdistan-workers-party-pkk|publisher=National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism|accessdate=18 March 2016}}</ref> This view is shared by the [[White House]], which called TAK the PKK's "urban terrorism wing" in one of its statement on 9 October 2016.<ref>[https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/10/09/statement-nsc-spokesperson-ned-price-terrorist-attacks-turkey Statement by NSC Spokesperson Ned Price on Terrorist Attacks in Turkey | whitehouse.gov<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161212234928/https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/10/09/statement-nsc-spokesperson-ned-price-terrorist-attacks-turkey |date=December 12, 2016 }}</ref> According to ''[[the Guardian]]'', "Turkish officials as well as some security analysts say TAK still acts as a militant front of the PKK".<ref>{{cite web|title=Ankara attack: one of bombers was PKK member, officials say|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/mar/14/turkey-ankara-attack-one-bombers-was-pkk-member-officials-say|publisher=The Guardian|accessdate=14 March 2016}}</ref> ''[[Business Insider]]'' has reported that "experts who follow Kurdish militants say the groups retain ties".<ref>{{cite web|title=The Kurdish TAK group has claimed responsibility for the deadly bombings in Ankara — and threatened further strikes|url=http://uk.businessinsider.com/tak-claims-responsibility-for-a-bomb-attack-in-ankara-warns-it-will-strike-again-2016-3|publisher=Business Insider|accessdate=18 March 2016}}</ref> Istanbul-based Turkish independent security analyst Metin Gürcan, writing for [[al-Monitor]], described TAK as "a semi-autonomous, armed outfit that carries out attacks under the PKK umbrella", saying that while the PKK ideologically and financially supports TAK, it allows it to decide on the nature and timing of its attacks.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Gürcan|first1=Metin|title=How terror attacks drive politics in Ankara|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2016/03/turkey-ankara-bombing-third-attacker.html#|publisher=al-Monitor|accessdate=18 March 2016}}</ref> Gürcan further wrote that the PKK uses proxies to carry out attacks in western Turkey so that its reputation for fighting ISIS is not tarnished.<ref name=almonitor/> Aliza Marcus, an expert on the PKK, also expressed her skepticism of the claims of separation by saying "It would be the first time in the history of the PKK that they allow the existence of any other group representing the Kurds than themselves. In the 1990s, the PKK fought with rival Kurdish groups in Europe, it has killed dissidents within its own ranks. I see no reason why they would allow another group on the stage now."<ref>{{cite web|title=TAK: What we know about militant PKK offshoot allegedly responsible for Ankara attacks|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/kurdistan-freedom-falcons-what-we-know-about-militant-pkk-offshoot-allegedly-responsible-ankara-1549637|publisher=International Business Times|accessdate=18 March 2016}}</ref> Aliza Marcus believes that it is unlikely that the TAK gets direct orders from PKK but thinks that the PKK has control over TAK's actions.<ref name=mdf>{{cite news|title=After Ankara bombing, questions over PKK-TAK ties resurface|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/columns/after-ankara-bomning-questions-over-pkk-tak-ties-resurface-1097219220|accessdate=11 December 2016|work=Middle East Eye}}</ref> ''[[Newsweek]]'' and ''[[Al-Arabiya]]'' have written that the group is linked to PKK while [[Deutsche Welle]] has described it as a breakaway from the PKK.<ref>{{cite news|last1=(www.dw.com)|first1=Deutsche Welle|title=Turkey's Kurdish TAK faction a breakaway from the PKK 17.03.2016|url=http://www.dw.com/en/turkeys-kurdish-tak-faction-a-breakaway-from-the-pkk/a-19121765|accessdate=11 December 2016|work=DW.COM}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=ANKARA BLAST: KURDISH MILITANT GROUP TAK CLAIMS BOMBING|url=http://europe.newsweek.com/ankara-blast-kurdish-militant-group-tak-claims-bombing-turkeys-capital-437704?rm=eu|publisher=Newsweek|accessdate=18 March 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Dark times for Turkey: Ankara blast latest in series of deadly attacks|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/perspective/analysis/2016/03/14/Dark-times-for-Turkey-Ankara-blast-latest-in-the-series-of-attacks.html|publisher=Al Arabiya|accessdate=18 March 2016}}</ref>
+Some experts say that TAK is affiliated to the PKK; according to [[France24]]'s correspondent in Turkey, "most" analysts share the view that whilst the TAK is affiliated to the PKK, it enjoys some operational autonomy.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kurdish militant group with ties to PKK claims Ankara bombing|url=http://www.france24.com/en/20160317-kurdish-militant-group-tied-pkk-says-it-was-behind-ankara-bombing|publisher=France24|access-date=18 March 2016|date=2016-03-17|archive-date=2016-03-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160317115826/http://www.france24.com/en/20160317-kurdish-militant-group-tied-pkk-says-it-was-behind-ankara-bombing|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism]], an academic research centre funded by the US [[Department of Homeland Security]], describes the TAK as the "special urban terrorism wing" of the PKK.<ref name=cons>{{cite web|title=Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK)|url=https://www.start.umd.edu/baad/narratives/kurdistan-workers-party-pkk|publisher=National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism|access-date=18 March 2016|archive-date=28 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160328114149/https://www.start.umd.edu/baad/narratives/kurdistan-workers-party-pkk|url-status=live}}</ref>
-In 2012, [[Human Rights Watch]] mentioned the TAK in its January 2012 report, calling the TAK "a group linked to PKK".<ref>{{cite web|title=World Report 2012: Turkey|url=https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2012/country-chapters/turkey|publisher=Human Rights Watch|accessdate=11 December 2016}}</ref>
+This view is shared by the [[White House]], which called TAK the PKK's "urban terrorism wing" in October 2016.<ref>[https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2016/10/09/statement-nsc-spokesperson-ned-price-terrorist-attacks-turkey Statement by NSC Spokesperson Ned Price on Terrorist Attacks in Turkey | whitehouse.gov<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210214321/https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2016/10/09/statement-nsc-spokesperson-ned-price-terrorist-attacks-turkey |date=February 10, 2017}}</ref> According to ''[[The Guardian]]'', "Turkish officials as well as some security analysts say TAK still acts as a militant front of the PKK".<ref>{{cite news|title=Ankara attack: one of bombers was PKK member, officials say|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/mar/14/turkey-ankara-attack-one-bombers-was-pkk-member-officials-say|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=14 March 2016|date=2016-03-14|last1=Letsch|first1=Constanze|archive-date=2016-03-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314105514/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/mar/14/turkey-ankara-attack-one-bombers-was-pkk-member-officials-say|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Business Insider]]'' has reported that "experts who follow Kurdish militants say the groups retain ties".<ref>{{cite web|title=The Kurdish TAK group has claimed responsibility for the deadly bombings in Ankara — and threatened further strikes|url=http://uk.businessinsider.com/tak-claims-responsibility-for-a-bomb-attack-in-ankara-warns-it-will-strike-again-2016-3|work=Business Insider|access-date=18 March 2016|archive-date=10 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010113650/http://uk.businessinsider.com/tak-claims-responsibility-for-a-bomb-attack-in-ankara-warns-it-will-strike-again-2016-3|url-status=dead}}</ref> Istanbul-based Turkish independent security analyst [[Metin Gürcan]], writing for [[Al-Monitor]], described TAK as "a semi-autonomous, armed outfit that carries out attacks under the PKK umbrella", saying that while the PKK ideologically and financially supports TAK, it allows it to decide on the nature and timing of its attacks.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Gürcan|first1=Metin|title=How terror attacks drive politics in Ankara|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2016/03/turkey-ankara-bombing-third-attacker.html|publisher=Al-Monitor|access-date=18 March 2016|date=2016-03-16|archive-date=2016-03-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318194442/http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2016/03/turkey-ankara-bombing-third-attacker.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Gürcan further wrote that the TAK was set up by the PKK but then split from it.<ref name=almonitor />
-According to Howard Eissenstat, a Turkey expert at St Lawrence University in New York, the TAK is damaging the PKK's short-term and long-term goals, and it's unlikely that the TAK is under PKK control.<ref name=mdf/>
+[[Aliza Marcus]], an expert on the PKK, also expressed her skepticism of the claims of separation by saying, "It would be the first time in the history of the PKK that they allow the existence of any other group representing the Kurds than themselves. In the 1990s, the PKK fought with rival Kurdish groups in Europe, it has killed dissidents within its own ranks. I see no reason why they would allow another group on the stage now."<ref>{{cite web|title=TAK: What we know about militant PKK offshoot allegedly responsible for Ankara attacks|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/kurdistan-freedom-falcons-what-we-know-about-militant-pkk-offshoot-allegedly-responsible-ankara-1549637|work=International Business Times|access-date=18 March 2016|date=2016-03-15|archive-date=2016-03-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318000206/http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/kurdistan-freedom-falcons-what-we-know-about-militant-pkk-offshoot-allegedly-responsible-ankara-1549637|url-status=live}}</ref> Marcus believes that it is unlikely that the TAK gets direct orders from PKK but thinks that the PKK has control over TAK's actions.<ref name=mdf>{{cite news|title=After Ankara bombing, questions over PKK-TAK ties resurface|url=http://www.middleeasteye.net/columns/after-ankara-bomning-questions-over-pkk-tak-ties-resurface-1097219220|access-date=11 December 2016|work=Middle East Eye|archive-date=1 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701103226/http://www.middleeasteye.net/columns/after-ankara-bomning-questions-over-pkk-tak-ties-resurface-1097219220|url-status=live}}</ref>
-PKK's spokesman Serhat Varto denied a link between the PKK and the TAK in an interview by saying that the PKK targets only military entities and that it always takes responsibility for its attacks.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Türkçe|first1=B. B. C.|title=PKK, TAK'ın saldırılarını neden durdurmuyor?|url=http://www.bbc.com/turkce/haberler/2016/03/160318_kck_rop|accessdate=11 December 2016|work=BBC Türkçe}}</ref> The PKK leader Cemil Bayik also denied a link or any resemblance between the PKK and the TAK. He went further on to claim that the Turkish government carries out attacks in the name of TAK to implicate the PKK as a terrorist organization in the international arena.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Geerdink|first1=Fréderike|title=PKK co-leader Cemil Bayik: ‘What are we supposed to do? Surrender? Never.’|url=https://www.beaconreader.com/frederike-geerdink/pkk-co-leader-camil-bayik-what-are-we-supposed-to-do-surrender-never|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919211142/https://www.beaconreader.com/frederike-geerdink/pkk-co-leader-camil-bayik-what-are-we-supposed-to-do-surrender-never|archivedate=2016-09-19|accessdate=12 September 2016|work=www.beaconreader.com}}</ref>
+''[[Newsweek]]'' and [[Al-Arabiya]] have written that the group is linked to the PKK while ''[[Deutsche Welle]]'' has described it as a breakaway from the PKK.<ref>{{cite news|work=Deutsche Welle|title=Turkey's Kurdish TAK faction a breakaway from the PKK 17.03.2016|url=http://www.dw.com/en/turkeys-kurdish-tak-faction-a-breakaway-from-the-pkk/a-19121765|access-date=11 December 2016|archive-date=6 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006113738/http://www.dw.com/en/turkeys-kurdish-tak-faction-a-breakaway-from-the-pkk/a-19121765|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=ANKARA BLAST: KURDISH MILITANT GROUP TAK CLAIMS BOMBING|url=http://europe.newsweek.com/ankara-blast-kurdish-militant-group-tak-claims-bombing-turkeys-capital-437704?rm=eu|work=Newsweek|access-date=18 March 2016|date=2016-03-17|archive-date=2016-10-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026162437/http://europe.newsweek.com/ankara-blast-kurdish-militant-group-tak-claims-bombing-turkeys-capital-437704?rm=eu|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Dark times for Turkey: Ankara blast latest in series of deadly attacks|date=14 March 2016|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/perspective/analysis/2016/03/14/Dark-times-for-Turkey-Ankara-blast-latest-in-the-series-of-attacks.html|publisher=Al Arabiya|access-date=18 March 2016|archive-date=18 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318221157/http://english.alarabiya.net/en/perspective/analysis/2016/03/14/Dark-times-for-Turkey-Ankara-blast-latest-in-the-series-of-attacks.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2012, [[Human Rights Watch]] mentioned the TAK in its January 2012 report, calling the TAK "a group linked to PKK".<ref>{{cite book|title=World Report 2012: Turkey|url=https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2012/country-chapters/turkey|publisher=Human Rights Watch|access-date=11 December 2016|date=2012-01-22|archive-date=2016-10-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011054625/https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2012/country-chapters/turkey|url-status=live}}</ref> According to Howard Eissenstat, a Turkey expert at St Lawrence University in New York, the TAK is damaging the PKK's short-term and long-term goals, and it's unlikely that the TAK is under PKK control.<ref name=mdf />
-In 2015, a member of TAK denied their links with the PKK by saying "The target perspectives, manner of action and tactics pursued by the PKK and other Kurdish organisations in war have a quite 'humanist' character in the face of the methods used by the existing Turkish state fascism against the Kurdish people. In this regard, we are not dependent on the target perspectives, manner of action and tactics of these organisations. We as TAK will determine and realize our independent action strategy, tactics and manner in line with the mission we have undertaken."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.anfenglish.com/kurdistan/tak-we-aren-t-dependent-on-pkk-our-actions-will-spread|accessdate=11 December 2016}}</ref>
+PKK's spokesman Serhat Varto denied a link between the PKK and the TAK in an interview by saying that the PKK targets only military entities and that it always takes responsibility for its attacks.<ref>{{cite news|title=PKK, TAK'ın saldırılarını neden durdurmuyor?|url=http://www.bbc.com/turkce/haberler/2016/03/160318_kck_rop|access-date=11 December 2016|publisher=BBC Türkçe|archive-date=14 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161214134128/http://www.bbc.com/turkce/haberler/2016/03/160318_kck_rop|url-status=live}}</ref> PKK leader Cemil Bayik also denied a link or any resemblance between the PKK and the TAK. He went on to claim that the Turkish government carries out attacks in the name of TAK to better characterise the PKK as a terrorist organization in the international arena.<ref name="www.beaconreader.com"/>
-==Designation as a terrorist organisation==
-U.S. government has designated the group a terrorist organization,<ref name=USterrorist /><ref name=USterrorist>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/01/11/us.turkey/index.html?section=cnn_latest |title=U.S. labels Kurdish group as terrorist |publisher=CNN |accessdate=1 November 2008 |date=1 November 2008}}</ref><ref name=EUterrorist>Council Common Position 2008/586/CFSP updating Common Position 2001/931/CFSP on the application of specific measures to combat terrorism and repealing Common Position 2007/871/CFSP, ''Official Journal of the European Union'' L 188/71, 16.07.2008., [http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2008:188:0071:0076:EN:PDF eur-lex.europa.eu]{{dead link|date=December 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> as well as the United Kingdom.<ref name=UKterrorist>{{cite web|url=http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/security/terrorism-and-the-law/terrorism-act/proscribed-groups |accessdate=February 9, 2009 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081224134701/http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/security/terrorism-and-the-law/terrorism-act/proscribed-groups |archivedate=December 24, 2008|title=Proscribed terrorist groups }}</ref>
+In 2015, a member of TAK denied links with the PKK, saying "The target perspectives, manner of action, and tactics pursued by the PKK and other Kurdish organisations in war have a quite 'humanist' character in the face of the methods used by the existing Turkish state fascism against the Kurdish people. In this regard, we are not dependent on the target perspectives, manner of action and tactics of these organisations. We as TAK will determine and realize our independent action strategy, tactics and manner in line with the mission we have undertaken.<ref>{{cite web |title=TAK: We aren't dependent on PKK, our actions will spread |url=https://www.anfenglish.com/kurdistan/tak-we-aren-t-dependent-on-pkk-our-actions-will-spread |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202124803/https://www.anfenglish.com/kurdistan/tak-we-aren-t-dependent-on-pkk-our-actions-will-spread |archive-date=2016-02-02}}</ref>
-Turkey regards the group as part of PKK and doesn't list it separately. The organization is not listed among the 12 active terrorist organizations in Turkey according to Counter-Terrorism and Operations Department of Directorate General for Security ([[Law enforcement in Turkey|Turkish police]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.egm.gov.tr/temuh/terorgrup1.html |accessdate=August 15, 2008 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130114042731/http://www.egm.gov.tr/temuh/terorgrup1.html |archivedate=January 14, 2013|title=Türkiye'de halen faaliyetlerine devam eden başlıca terör örgütleri }}</ref>
+According to ''[[Stratfor]]'', TAK claims to be separate from the PKK but is in fact the PKK's specialized urban terrorism wing.<ref>{{cite news |title=Iraqi Kurdistan's Parliamentary Elections Highlight Two Major Kurdish Groups in the Middle East |url=https://worldview.stratfor.com/article/iraqi-kurdistans-parliamentary-elections-highlight-two-major-kurdish-groups-middle-east |access-date=24 October 2024 |publisher=Stratfor |date=22 October 2024}}</ref>
+==Designation as a terrorist organisation==
+The group has been designated as a terrorist organization by the US, UK and Australian governments,<ref name=USterrorist>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/01/11/us.turkey/index.html?section=cnn_latest |title=U.S. labels Kurdish group as terrorist |publisher=CNN |access-date=1 November 2008 |date=1 November 2008 |archive-date=14 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180814040742/http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/01/11/us.turkey/index.html?section=cnn_latest |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=EUterrorist>Council Common Position 2008/586/CFSP updating Common Position 2001/931/CFSP on the application of specific measures to combat terrorism and repealing Common Position 2007/871/CFSP, ''Official Journal of the European Union'' L 188/71, 16.07.2008., [https://archive.today/20120726173743/http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2008:188:0071:0076:EN:PDF eur-lex.europa.eu]</ref><ref name=UKterrorist>{{cite web|url=http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/security/terrorism-and-the-law/terrorism-act/proscribed-groups |access-date=February 9, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081224134701/http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/security/terrorism-and-the-law/terrorism-act/proscribed-groups |archive-date=December 24, 2008|title=Proscribed terrorist groups }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Completed_Inquiries/pjcis/five_terrorist/report/output/appendixe|title=Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK)|publisher=Parliament of Australia|website=www.aph.gov.au/|access-date=2021-12-06|archive-date=2021-12-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206232913/https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Completed_Inquiries/pjcis/five_terrorist/report/output/appendixe|url-status=live}}</ref> as well as by the [[European Union]].<ref name="latest-eu-list">{{cite web|author=Council of the European Union|date=13 January 2020|title=Council Decision (CFSP) 2020/20 of 13 January 2020 updating the list of persons, groups and entities subject to Articles 2, 3 and 4 of Common Position 2001/931/CFSP on the application of specific measures to combat terrorism, and repealing Decision (CFSP) 2019/1341|url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dec/2020/20/oj|access-date=1 March 2020|work=Official Journal of the European Union|archive-date=3 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303125005/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dec/2020/20/oj|url-status=live}}</ref> The Turkish government regards the group as part of the PKK and does not list it separately.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.egm.gov.tr/temuh/terorgrup1.html |access-date=August 15, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130114042731/http://www.egm.gov.tr/temuh/terorgrup1.html |archive-date=January 14, 2013|title=Türkiye'de halen faaliyetlerine devam eden başlıca terör örgütleri }}</ref>
 ==Attacks==
 TAK has claimed responsibility for a number of attacks against police officers, soldiers, government and business institutions since 2004. Its earliest attacks were small, non-lethal bombings in public places which the group described as "warning actions." These warnings, however, had become deadly by the summer of 2005.
 * 20 people were injured when a bomb exploded at [[Çeşme]], a coastal resort town on July 10, 2005.
-* Less than one week later, five people were killed and more than a dozen wounded when a [[2005 Kusadasi bus bombing|bus was blown up in the seaside town of Kuşadası]].<ref name="GlobeAndMail">{{cite news|title=Turkey rocked by more blasts |work=The Globe and Mail |date=2006-08-29 |url=http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20060829.TURKEY29/TPStory/TPInternational/Africa/ |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060901234233/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20060829.TURKEY29/TPStory/TPInternational/Africa/ |archivedate=September 1, 2006 }}</ref><ref name="TheHerald">{{cite news|title='Tourists were few. Now none will come' |work=The Herald |date=2006-08-29 |url=http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/68998.html |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060901083035/http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/68998.html |archivedate=September 1, 2006 }}</ref> This type of attack against a tourist target is perhaps the signature tactic of TAK. The group has targeted civilians to discourage [[tourism in Turkey]] by attacking targets such as hotels and ATMs. TAK claims to have no desire to kill foreigners, only that it wishes to cut off a key source of revenue for the Turkish government.<ref name="ReutersAlert" /><ref name="CNNHunt">{{cite news|title=Turkey bombs: 'Police hunt two' |publisher=CNN |date=2006-08-29 |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/08/29/turkey.blasts.reut/ |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060902024331/http://edition.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/08/29/turkey.blasts.reut/ |archivedate=September 2, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Turkish police 'foil another attack in İzmir'|work=The Times|date=2006-08-29|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-2332872,00.html |location=London |first1=Adam |last1=Fresco |accessdate=2010-05-07}}</ref>
+* Less than one week later, five people were killed and more than a dozen wounded when a [[2005 Kusadasi bus bombing|bus was blown up in the seaside town of Kuşadası]].<ref name="GlobeAndMail">{{cite news|title=Turkey rocked by more blasts |work=The Globe and Mail |date=2006-08-29 |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20060829.TURKEY29/TPStory/TPInternational/Africa/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060901234233/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20060829.TURKEY29/TPStory/TPInternational/Africa/ |archive-date=September 1, 2006 }}</ref><ref name="TheHerald">{{cite news|title=Tourists were few. Now none will come |work=The Herald |date=2006-08-29 |url=http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/68998.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060901083035/http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/68998.html |archive-date=September 1, 2006 }}</ref> This type of attack against a tourist target is perhaps the signature tactic of TAK. The group has targeted civilians to discourage [[tourism in Turkey]] by attacking targets such as hotels and ATMs. TAK claims to have no desire to kill foreigners, only that it wishes to cut off a key source of revenue for the Turkish government.<ref name="ReutersAlert" /><ref name="CNNHunt">{{cite news|title=Turkey bombs: 'Police hunt two' |publisher=CNN |date=2006-08-29 |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/08/29/turkey.blasts.reut/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060902024331/http://edition.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/08/29/turkey.blasts.reut/ |archive-date=September 2, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Turkish police 'foil another attack in İzmir'|work=The Times|date=2006-08-29|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-2332872,00.html |location=London |first1=Adam |last1=Fresco |access-date=2010-05-07}}{{dead link|date=September 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
-* In 2006 the groups attacks continued, including a failed plot to attack a bus carrying legal officials on April 12, 2006. Five of the group's members were arrested when the plot was broken up.
+* In 2006 the group's attacks continued, including a failed plot to attack a bus carrying legal officials on April 12, 2006. Five of the group's members were arrested when the plot was broken up.
-*The group also claimed responsibility for an April 5, 2006 attack on a district office of the Justice and Development Party in Istanbul.<ref name="BBCTimeline">{{cite news|title=Timeline:Bomb blasts in Turkey|publisher=BBC|date=2006-08-29|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/5292122.stm}}</ref>
+*The group also claimed responsibility for an April 5, 2006 attack on a district office of the Justice and Development Party in Istanbul.<ref name="BBCTimeline">{{cite news|title=Timeline:Bomb blasts in Turkey|publisher=BBC|date=2006-08-29|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/5292122.stm|access-date=2006-08-30|archive-date=2022-12-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211161730/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/5292122.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>
 * In March, one person was killed and thirteen injured when TAK detonated a bomb near a bus station in Istanbul.<ref name="BBCTimeline" />
-*On August 28, 2006, The Kurdish Freedom Hawks attacked the resort area of [[Marmaris]] with three explosions, at least two of which bombs were hidden in garbage cans.<ref name="TheHerald" /> In the resort city of [[Antalya]], 20 were injured when another explosion went off and 3 were killed. A final bomb detonated in Turkey's largest city of [[Istanbul]] where more than 20 people were injured.<ref name="ReutersAlert" /><ref name="IBNLive" /> A separate attack is claimed to have been stopped in the port city of [[İzmir]] when a raid turned up plastic explosives.<ref name="SpiegelOnline">{{cite news|title=Turkey Thwarts Bomb Attack in İzmir|work=Der Spiegel|date=2006-09-29|url=http://service.spiegel.de/cache/international/0,1518,434125,00.html}}</ref><ref name="TheIndependent">{{cite news|title=Police search for two suspected bombers of Turkish resort|work=The Independent|date=2006-08-29|url=http://news.independent.co.uk/europe/article1222489.ece |location=London |accessdate=2010-05-07}}</ref> The groups website states the rash of attacks are revenge for the imprisonment of [[Abdullah Ocalan]], the figurehead for the armed Kurdish nationalist movement.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kurdish rebel group claims weekend blasts in Turkey |publisher=Turkish Press |date=2006-08-29 |url=http://www.turkishpress.com/news.asp?id=139613 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927225049/http://www.turkishpress.com/news.asp?id=139613 |archivedate=September 27, 2007 }}</ref>
+* On August 28, 2006, The Kurdish Freedom Hawks attacked the resort area of [[Marmaris]] with three explosions, at least two of which bombs were hidden in garbage cans.<ref name="TheHerald" /> In the resort city of [[Antalya]], 20 were injured when another explosion went off and 3 were killed. A final bomb detonated in Turkey's largest city of [[Istanbul]] where more than 20 people were injured.<ref name="ReutersAlert" /><ref name="IBNLive" /> A separate attack is claimed to have been stopped in the port city of [[İzmir]] when a raid turned up plastic explosives.<ref name="SpiegelOnline">{{cite news|title=Turkey Thwarts Bomb Attack in İzmir|work=Der Spiegel|date=2006-09-29|url=http://service.spiegel.de/cache/international/0,1518,434125,00.html}}</ref><ref name="TheIndependent">{{cite news|title=Police search for two suspected bombers of Turkish resort|work=The Independent|date=2006-08-29|url=http://news.independent.co.uk/europe/article1222489.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001110114/http://news.independent.co.uk/europe/article1222489.ece |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 1, 2007 |location=London |access-date=2010-05-07}}</ref> The group's website states the rash of attacks are revenge for the imprisonment of [[Abdullah Ocalan]], the figurehead for the armed Kurdish nationalist movement.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kurdish rebel group claims weekend blasts in Turkey |publisher=Turkish Press |date=2006-08-29 |url=http://www.turkishpress.com/news.asp?id=139613 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927225049/http://www.turkishpress.com/news.asp?id=139613 |archive-date=September 27, 2007 }}</ref>
-*On August 30, 2006, the town of [[Mersin]] was attacked via a bomb planted in a rubbish container on Inonu street, one person was injured.<ref>{{cite news|title=1 Injured in Mersin Blast|work=Today's Zaman|date=2006-08-30|url=http://www.zaman.com/?bl=hotnews&alt=&trh=20060830&hn=36125}}</ref> The bombing is believed to be linked to the recent attacks by TAK, however they have not claimed responsibility.<ref name="ReutersTwo" /><ref>{{cite news|title=One injured in Turkey explosion|publisher=BBC|date=2006-08-30|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/5298466.stm}}</ref>
+* On August 30, 2006, the town of [[Mersin]] was attacked via a bomb planted in a rubbish container on Inonu street, one person was injured.<ref>{{cite news|title=1 Injured in Mersin Blast|work=Today's Zaman|date=2006-08-30|url=http://www.zaman.com/?bl=hotnews&alt=&trh=20060830&hn=36125|access-date=2006-08-30|archive-date=2011-06-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605050116/http://www.zaman.com/?bl=hotnews&alt=&trh=20060830&hn=36125|url-status=live}}</ref> The bombing is believed to be linked to the recent attacks by TAK, however they have not claimed responsibility.<ref name="ReutersTwo" /><ref>{{cite news|title=One injured in Turkey explosion|publisher=BBC|date=2006-08-30|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/5298466.stm|access-date=2006-08-30|archive-date=2023-03-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325211204/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/5298466.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>
-* In the [[2008 Istanbul bombings|July 2008 bombings]], the deadliest attack against civilians in Turkey since [[2003 Istanbul bombings|2003]], two bombs hit a shopping mile in [[Güngören]] district of Istanbul.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121724008479989537.html?mod=googlenews_wsj|title=Turkey Blames Kurdish Rebels For Istanbul Blasts That Killed 17|publisher=Wall Street Journal|accessdate=2008-07-28|date=2008-07-28}}</ref>
+* In the [[2008 Istanbul bombings|July 2008 bombings]], the deadliest attack against civilians in Turkey since [[2003 Istanbul bombings|2003]], two bombs hit a shopping mile in [[Güngören]] district of Istanbul.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB121724008479989537?mod=googlenews_wsj|title=Turkey Blames Kurdish Rebels For Istanbul Blasts That Killed 17|newspaper=Wall Street Journal|access-date=2008-07-28|date=2008-07-28|archive-date=2017-10-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010113257/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB121724008479989537?mod=googlenews_wsj|url-status=live}}</ref>
-*In June 2010, they blew up a military bus in Istanbul, killing four people including 3 soldiers<ref name="Cockburn">{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/istanbul-bomb-marks-end-of-kurdish-ceasefire-2007588.html |location=London |work=The Independent |first=Patrick |last=Cockburn |title=Istanbul bomb marks end of Kurdish ceasefire |date=2010-06-23}}</ref> and a 17-year-old girl. This was received by observers as a "resumption of guerrilla warfare" which "brings to a final end an unofficial truce between the PKK and the government, which last year launched an initiative giving Kurds greater civil rights."<ref name="Cockburn" />
+* In June 2010, they blew up a military bus in Istanbul, killing four people including 3 soldiers<ref name="Cockburn">{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/istanbul-bomb-marks-end-of-kurdish-ceasefire-2007588.html |location=London |work=The Independent |first=Patrick |last=Cockburn |title=Istanbul bomb marks end of Kurdish ceasefire |date=2010-06-23 |access-date=2017-09-02 |archive-date=2021-10-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022013215/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/istanbul-bomb-marks-end-of-kurdish-ceasefire-2007588.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and a 17-year-old girl. This was received by observers as a "resumption of guerrilla warfare" which "brings to a final end an unofficial truce between the PKK and the government, which last year launched an initiative giving Kurds greater civil rights."<ref name="Cockburn" />
-*On October 31, 2010, a suicide bomber [[2010 Istanbul bombing|detonated a bomb]] on [[Taksim Square]] in [[Istanbul]], [[Turkey]], killing the perpetrator and resulting in 32 injuries, 15 of whom were police officers.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/10/31/turkey.blast/index.html?hpt=T1 |title=32 injured in apparent suicide bombing in Turkey |publisher=CNN |date=November 1, 2010 |accessdate=November 1, 2010}}</ref> The bombing is believed to be linked to TAK, however they have not claimed responsibility.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703805704575594184051469018.html?mod=googlenews_wsj |title=PKK Splinter Group Admits Istanbul Bombing |author=Ayla Albayrak |newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |date=November 4, 2010 |accessdate=November 4, 2010}}</ref>
+*On October 31, 2010, a suicide bomber [[2010 Istanbul bombing|detonated a bomb]] on [[Taksim Square]] in [[Istanbul]], [[Turkey]], killing the perpetrator and resulting in 32 injuries, 15 of whom were police officers.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/10/31/turkey.blast/index.html?hpt=T1 |title=32 injured in apparent suicide bombing in Turkey |publisher=CNN |date=November 1, 2010 |access-date=November 1, 2010 |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108044428/http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/europe/10/31/turkey.blast/index.html?hpt=T1 |url-status=live }}</ref> The bombing is believed to be linked to TAK, however they have not claimed responsibility.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703805704575594184051469018?mod=googlenews_wsj |title=PKK Splinter Group Admits Istanbul Bombing |author=Ayla Albayrak |newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |date=November 4, 2010 |access-date=November 4, 2010 |archive-date=October 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010113734/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703805704575594184051469018?mod=googlenews_wsj |url-status=live }}</ref>
-*September 20, 2011 3 people died and 34 people were injured in a bomb attack in [[Ankara]]. Kurdistan Freedom Hawks claimed the attack.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/09/20/world/turkey-explosion/index.html?hpt=hp_t2 |title=32 injured in apparent suicide bombing in Turkey |publisher=CNN |date=September 20, 2011 |accessdate=September 20, 2011}}</ref>
+* September 20, 2011 3 people died and 34 people were injured in [[2011 Ankara bombing|a bomb attack]] in [[Ankara]]. Kurdistan Freedom Hawks claimed the attack.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/09/20/world/turkey-explosion/index.html?hpt=hp_t2 |title=32 injured in apparent suicide bombing in Turkey |publisher=CNN |date=September 20, 2011 |access-date=September 20, 2011 |archive-date=March 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325211131/http://edition.cnn.com/2011/09/20/world/turkey-explosion/index.html?hpt=hp_t2 |url-status=live }}</ref>
-*On December 23, 2015 Istanbul's [[Sabiha Gökçen International Airport]] was [[2015 Sabiha Gökçen Airport bombing|hit by mortar fire]] from the Kurdistan Freedom Hawks.<ref>{{cite news |title=TAK claims responsibility for the attack at Sabiha Gökçen Airport |agency=[[Firat News Agency|ANF]] |url=http://anfenglish.com/news/tak-claims-responsibility-for-the-attack-at-sabiha-gokcen-airport |date=26 December 2015 |accessdate=20 February 2016}}</ref>
+* On December 23, 2015 Istanbul's [[Sabiha Gökçen International Airport]] was [[2015 Sabiha Gökçen Airport bombing|hit by mortar fire]] from the Kurdistan Freedom Hawks.<ref>{{cite news |title=TAK claims responsibility for the attack at Sabiha Gökçen Airport |agency=[[Firat News Agency|ANF]] |url=http://anfenglish.com/news/tak-claims-responsibility-for-the-attack-at-sabiha-gokcen-airport |date=26 December 2015 |access-date=20 February 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305142825/http://anfenglish.com/news/tak-claims-responsibility-for-the-attack-at-sabiha-gokcen-airport |archive-date=5 March 2016 }}</ref>
-*On February 17, 2016, the Kurdistan Freedom Hawks [[February 2016 Ankara bombing|attacked]] military buses in [[Ankara]] killing 28 Turkish military personnel and 1 civilian.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ankara'daki bombalı saldırıda 1 kişi daha hayatını kaybetti|url=http://www.haberturk.com/gundem/haber/1199782-ankaradaki-bombali-saldirida-1-kisi-daha-hayatini-kaybetti|accessdate=28 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Ankara'daki patlamada ölenlerin isim listesi|url=http://www.haberturk.com/gundem/haber/1197428-ankaradaki-patlamada-olenlerin-isim-listesi|accessdate=28 February 2016|agency=Haberturk}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Ankarada patlamada ölenlerin isimleri belli oldu, 28 ocağa ateş düştü (ankara patlama)|url=http://www.bugun.com.tr/gundem/ankara-patlama-patlama-haberleri-ankarada-2065126.html|accessdate=28 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Erdogan says 'no doubt' Syrian Kurd fighters behind Ankara attack|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/afp/article-3454586/Erdogan-says-no-doubt-Syrian-Kurdish-fighters-Ankara-attack.html|accessdate=28 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zaman.com.tr/gundem_sehitlerin-kimlikleri-belli-oldu_2347757.html |title=Şehitlerin kimlikleri belli oldu |date=18 February 2016 |work=ZAMAN |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160219093245/http://www.zaman.com.tr/gundem_sehitlerin-kimlikleri-belli-oldu_2347757.html |archivedate=February 19, 2016 }}</ref> The group claimed responsibility two days later, on 19 of February.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/02/ankara-bombing-kurdish-group-claims-responsibility-160219165710818.html |title=Ankara bombing: Kurdish group claims responsibility |publisher=Al Jazeera English |date= |accessdate=2016-02-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Botelho |first=Greg |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2016/02/19/middleeast/turkey-ankara-attack/index.html |title=Ankara bombing: Kurdish militants claim responsibility - CNN.com |website=Edition.cnn.com |date=2015-09-01 |accessdate=2016-02-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=22 Turkish Air Force pilots killed|url=http://www.horizonweekly.ca/news/details/81146#.VskHOe_jwCA.facebook|accessdate=21 February 2016}}</ref>
+* On February 17, 2016, the Kurdistan Freedom Hawks [[February 2016 Ankara bombing|attacked]] military buses in [[Ankara]] killing 28 Turkish military personnel and 1 civilian.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ankara'daki bombalı saldırıda 1 kişi daha hayatını kaybetti|url=http://www.haberturk.com/gundem/haber/1199782-ankaradaki-bombali-saldirida-1-kisi-daha-hayatini-kaybetti|access-date=28 February 2016|archive-date=26 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160226152133/http://www.haberturk.com/gundem/haber/1199782-ankaradaki-bombali-saldirida-1-kisi-daha-hayatini-kaybetti|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Ankara'daki patlamada ölenlerin isim listesi|url=http://www.haberturk.com/gundem/haber/1197428-ankaradaki-patlamada-olenlerin-isim-listesi|access-date=28 February 2016|agency=Haberturk|archive-date=2 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302071536/http://www.haberturk.com/gundem/haber/1197428-ankaradaki-patlamada-olenlerin-isim-listesi|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Ankarada patlamada ölenlerin isimleri belli oldu, 28 ocağa ateş düştü (ankara patlama)|url=http://www.bugun.com.tr/gundem/ankara-patlama-patlama-haberleri-ankarada-2065126.html|access-date=28 February 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160222082101/http://www.bugun.com.tr/gundem/ankara-patlama-patlama-haberleri-ankarada-2065126.html|archive-date=22 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zaman.com.tr/gundem_sehitlerin-kimlikleri-belli-oldu_2347757.html |title=Şehitlerin kimlikleri belli oldu |date=18 February 2016 |work=ZAMAN |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160219093245/http://www.zaman.com.tr/gundem_sehitlerin-kimlikleri-belli-oldu_2347757.html |archive-date=February 19, 2016 }}</ref> The group claimed responsibility two days later, on 19 of February.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/02/ankara-bombing-kurdish-group-claims-responsibility-160219165710818.html |title=Ankara bombing: Kurdish group claims responsibility |publisher=Al Jazeera English |access-date=2016-02-20 |archive-date=2016-02-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160219223757/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/02/ankara-bombing-kurdish-group-claims-responsibility-160219165710818.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Botelho |first=Greg |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2016/02/19/middleeast/turkey-ankara-attack/index.html |title=Ankara bombing: Kurdish militants claim responsibility |publisher=CNN |date=2015-09-01 |access-date=2016-02-20 |archive-date=2016-02-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160219230655/http://edition.cnn.com/2016/02/19/middleeast/turkey-ankara-attack/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=22 Turkish Air Force pilots killed|url=http://www.horizonweekly.ca/news/details/81146#.VskHOe_jwCA.facebook|access-date=21 February 2016|archive-date=15 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415055602/http://horizonweekly.ca/news/details/81146#.VskHOe_jwCA.facebook|url-status=dead}}</ref>
-*On March 13, 2016, a [[March 2016 Ankara bombing|car bombing]] in the [[Kizilay, Ankara|Kizilay]] district of Ankara killed 37 and injured more than 120 others. TAK claimed responsibility for the attack on March 17.<ref>{{cite news|title=PKK's organization game|url=http://aa.com.tr/en/world/pkks-organization-game/539390|accessdate=19 March 2016|work=Anadolu Agency|date=18 March 2016}}</ref>
+* On March 13, 2016, a [[March 2016 Ankara bombing|car bombing]] in the [[Kizilay, Ankara|Kizilay]] district of Ankara killed 37 and injured more than 120 others. TAK claimed responsibility for the attack on March 17.<ref>{{cite news|title=PKK's organization game|url=http://aa.com.tr/en/world/pkks-organization-game/539390|access-date=19 March 2016|work=Anadolu Agency|date=18 March 2016|archive-date=29 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329020404/http://aa.com.tr/en/world/pkks-organization-game/539390|url-status=live}}</ref>
-*On April 27, 2016, a suicide bomber blew herself up in the northwestern city of [[Bursa]] leaving thirteen people wounded. TAK claimed responsibility for the [[2016 Bursa bombing|Bursa attack]] on May 1, 2016.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kurdish militants claim suicide bombing in Turkey's Bursa: website |agency=[[Reuters]] |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-blast-bursa-claim-idUSKCN0XS1F9 |date=1 May 2016 |accessdate=9 June 2016}}</ref>
+* On April 27, 2016, a suicide bomber blew herself up in the northwestern city of [[Bursa]] leaving thirteen people wounded. TAK claimed responsibility for the [[2016 Bursa bombing|Bursa attack]] on May 1, 2016.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kurdish militants claim suicide bombing in Turkey's Bursa: website |work=[[Reuters]] |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-blast-bursa-claim-idUSKCN0XS1F9 |date=1 May 2016 |access-date=9 June 2016 |archive-date=5 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160505105209/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-blast-bursa-claim-idUSKCN0XS1F9? |url-status=live }}</ref>
-*On June 7, 2016, a [[June 2016 Istanbul bombing|bomb targeting a police bus in Istanbul]] detonated, killing seven police officers and four civilians. TAK claimed responsibility for the bomb, warning tourists that Turkey wouldn't be a safe destination any longer.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Kurdish militant group says it was behind Istanbul bombing |agency=Reuters |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-blast-tak-idUSKCN0YW0LL |date=10 June 2016 |access-date=10 June 2016}}</ref>
+* On June 7, 2016, a [[June 2016 Istanbul bombing|bomb targeting a police bus in Istanbul]] detonated, killing seven police officers and four civilians. TAK claimed responsibility for the bomb, warning tourists that Turkey wouldn't be a safe destination any longer.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Kurdish militant group says it was behind Istanbul bombing |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-blast-tak-idUSKCN0YW0LL |date=10 June 2016 |access-date=10 June 2016 |archive-date=11 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611140456/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-blast-tak-idUSKCN0YW0LL |url-status=live }}</ref>
-*On October 6, 2016, Kurdistan Freedom Hawks (TAK) claims responsibility a bomb attack was carried out in İstanbul’s Yenibosna district outside of police station on October 6th, causing 10 civilians to get wounded.<ref>{{cite news|title=Explosion outside police station in Istanbul|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/istanbul-bombing-terror-attack-police-station-yenibosna-responsibility-isis-kurds-killed-injured-a7348186.html|accessdate=2 January 2017|work=The Independent|date=6 October 2016}}</ref>
+* On October 6, 2016, Kurdistan Freedom Hawks (TAK) claimed responsibility a bomb attack was carried out in İstanbul's Yenibosna district outside of police station on October 6, causing 10 civilians to get wounded.<ref>{{cite news|title=Explosion outside police station in Istanbul|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/istanbul-bombing-terror-attack-police-station-yenibosna-responsibility-isis-kurds-killed-injured-a7348186.html|access-date=2 January 2017|work=The Independent|date=6 October 2016|archive-date=10 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170110225603/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/istanbul-bombing-terror-attack-police-station-yenibosna-responsibility-isis-kurds-killed-injured-a7348186.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
-*On November 4, 2016, TAK carried out a suicide bombing in [[Diyarbakir]],resulting in killing of at least 11 people including 2 police officers in addition to wounding more than 100 people.
+* On November 24, 2016, TAK claimed responsibility for a car bomb attack  that killed two people and wounded 30 more in the Turkish city of Adana, according to a statement on its website.
+* On December 10, 2016, a [[car bombing]] and a suicide bomber in the [[Beşiktaş]] district of [[Istanbul]] killed 46 people, of which 37 were police officers, and injured at least 160 others. TAK claimed responsibility for the attack the day after.<ref name="autogenerated1"/>
-*On November 24, 2016, TAK claimed responsibility for a car bomb attack  that killed two people and wounded 30 more in the Turkish city of Adana, according to a statement on its website.
+* On December 20, 2016, TAK claimed responsibility for [[2016 Kayseri bombing|Kayseri bombing]] which killed 14 soldiers.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-blast-militants-idUSKBN149239 |title=PKK offshoot claims Kayseri bus bombing that killed 13 soldiers: Hurriyet |work=[[Reuters]] |date=20 December 2016 |access-date=21 December 2016 |archive-date=21 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221150400/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-blast-militants-idUSKBN149239 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.voanews.com/a/kurdish-militants-claim-attack-on-off-duty-turkish-soldiers/3643785.html |title=Kurdish Militants Claim Attack on Off-duty Turkish Soldiers |agency=[[Voice of America]] |date=20 December 2016 |access-date=21 December 2016 |archive-date=21 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221091527/http://www.voanews.com/a/kurdish-militants-claim-attack-on-off-duty-turkish-soldiers/3643785.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://anfenglish.com/news/tak-claims-responsibility-for-the-recent-istanbul-and-kayseri-bombings |title=TAK claims responsibility for the recent Istanbul and Kayseri bombings |agency=[[Firat News Agency]] |date=20 December 2016 |access-date=21 December 2016 |archive-date=21 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221234127/http://anfenglish.com/news/tak-claims-responsibility-for-the-recent-istanbul-and-kayseri-bombings |url-status=live }}</ref>
-*On December 10, 2016, a [[car bombing]] and a suicide bomber in the [[Beşiktaş]] district of [[Istanbul]] killed 46 people, of which 37 were police officers, and injured at least 160 others. TAK claimed responsibility for the attack the day after.<ref name="autogenerated1"/>
+*On January 11, 2017, TAK claimed responsibility for İzmir attack which killed 2 people and wounded 9 others <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dha.com.tr/izmirdeki-alcak-saldiriyi-tak-ustlendi_1433394.html|title=DHA – Demirren Haber Ajans- Son Dakika Haberleri ve Goncel Haberler|work=DHA News|access-date=2019-08-16|archive-date=2017-06-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170602205127/http://www.dha.com.tr/izmirdeki-alcak-saldiriyi-tak-ustlendi_1433394.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
-*On December 20, 2016,  TAK claims responsibility for [[2016 Kayseri bombing|Kayseri bombing]] which killed 14 soldiers.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/us-turkey-blast-militants-idUSKBN149239 |title=PKK offshoot claims Kayseri bus bombing that killed 13 soldiers: Hurriyet |agency=[[Reuters]] |date=20 December 2016 |access-date=21 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.voanews.com/a/kurdish-militants-claim-attack-on-off-duty-turkish-soldiers/3643785.html |title=Kurdish Militants Claim Attack on Off-duty Turkish Soldiers |agency=[[Voice of America]] |date=20 December 2016 |access-date=21 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://anfenglish.com/news/tak-claims-responsibility-for-the-recent-istanbul-and-kayseri-bombings |title=TAK claims responsibility for the recent Istanbul and Kayseri bombings |agency=[[Firat News Agency]] |date=20 December 2016 |access-date=21 December 2016}}</ref>
+*On November 10, 2017 The female TAK Fighter Çiçek Karabulut was killed with a hand grenade after a gunfight in [[Mardin]], Mardin Province. The organization claimed this incident in a statement published on January 17, 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://anfdeutsch.com/kurdistan/tak-gibt-identitaet-von-gefallener-kaempferin-bekannt-1784|title=TAK gibt Identität von gefallener Kämpferin bekannt (In German|work=ANF News|access-date=2019-08-16|archive-date=2019-08-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816150353/https://anfdeutsch.com/kurdistan/tak-gibt-identitaet-von-gefallener-kaempferin-bekannt-1784|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sozcu.com.tr/2017/gundem/adana-valilik-bombacisi-kadin-terorist-olu-ele-gecirildi-2146615/|title=Adana Valilik bombacısı kadın terörist ölü ele geçirildi (In Turkish)|work=Sözcü|date=25 December 2017 |access-date=2019-08-16|archive-date=2019-08-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816150352/https://www.sozcu.com.tr/2017/gundem/adana-valilik-bombacisi-kadin-terorist-olu-ele-gecirildi-2146615/|url-status=live}}</ref>
-*On January 11, 2017, TAK claims responsibility for İzmir attack which killed 2 people and wounded 9 others <ref>http://www.dha.com.tr/izmirdeki-alcak-saldiriyi-tak-ustlendi_1433394.html</ref>
 ==References==
 {{Reflist|30em}}
@@ Line 91: / Line 107: @@
 ===Bibliography===
 {{ref begin}}
+* {{cite book |last=Eccarius-Kelly |year=2011 |first=Vera |title=The Militant Kurds: A Dual Strategy for Freedom |publisher=[[Praeger Publishers|Praeger]] |isbn=978-0-313-36468-6 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DhtRxs4CVSUC |access-date=2016-02-21 |archive-date=2023-10-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231016022311/https://books.google.com/books?id=DhtRxs4CVSUC |url-status=live }}
-* {{cite book |last=Eccarius-Kelly |year=2011 |ref=harv
-|first=Vera |title=The Militant Kurds: A Dual Strategy for Freedom |publisher=[[Praeger Publishers|Praeger]] |isbn=978-0-313-36468-6 |url={{Google books|DhtRxs4CVSUC|plainurl=y}}}}
 {{ref end}}
@@ Line 99: / Line 114: @@
 {{Kurdish nationalist organisations}}
-[[Category:Kurdistan Freedom Hawks]]
+[[Category:Kurdistan Freedom Hawks| ]]
 [[Category:Organisations designated as terrorist by the United Kingdom]]
-[[Category:Organisations designated as terrorist by the United States]]
+[[Category:Organizations designated as terrorist by the United States]]
+[[Category:Organizations designated as terrorist by Turkey]]