UK counter-terrorism police arrest six over ‘PKK activity’

LONDON – British police said they arrested six people and searched a Kurdish community center in London as part of a counter-terrorism investigation into suspected activities linked to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party, known as the PKK.

Those arrested were four men and two women, aged between 23 and 62, police said, adding there was no immediate threat to the public.

“This activity follows a significant investigation and operation into activities we believe are linked to the terrorist group PKK,” said Acting Commander Helen Flanagan.

“These are targeted arrests of those we suspect are involved in terrorist activities linked to the group.”

The PKK, a militant group founded in southeastern Turkey in 1978 with the aim of creating an independent Kurdish state, was banned in Britain in 2001. The group has been embroiled in a conflict for forty years, which has led to more than 40,000 deaths.

British police said they were carrying out searches at eight buildings in London, including the Kurdish community center in the north of the capital, which is likely to be closed to the public for up to two weeks.

“This research and activity is about protecting all our communities, but especially those in our Turkish and Kurdish communities,” Flanagan said. “I would urge anyone who believes they may have been affected or targeted by people associated with the PKK to get in touch.” REUTERS