ERBIL — The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) security forces in Sulaymaniyah have raided and shut down the headquarters of the Kurdistan Women’s Freedom Organisation (RJAK), a group with close ties to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).

According to BasNews, RJAK has received substantial financial assistance from the PKK’s base in the Qandil Mountains and was reportedly involved in recruiting girls from Sulaymaniyah province to join PKK ranks in Qandil. 

The organization’s leaders, Najiba Karadaghi and Turgul Sarhaldan, previously held media roles within the PKK’s operations in Qandil.

The raid occurred on Wednesday evening, with PUK security forces closing the RJAK headquarters without providing any official explanation.

This move follows the closure of several other PKK-affiliated organizations and media outlets in Sulaymaniyah on Tuesday, signaling a coordinated effort by PUK authorities to restrict PKK-linked activities in the region.

Observers have linked these actions to a recent meeting between PUK senior leader and Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani and Turkish Ambassador to Iraq Anıl Bora İnan. 

Following the meeting, Talabani stated that discussions focused on regional security developments.

The closures mark a significant shift in the PUK’s approach toward PKK-affiliated entities, raising speculation about potential new security arrangements between the PUK and Turkey.