Turkey is embarking on a hazardous path to ensure the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant group implements its decision to disband after 40 years of conflict, facing obstacles that need to be overcome in neighbouring Iraq and Syria.

The decision by the Kurdistan Workers' Party promises to end one of the longest insurgencies in the Middle East and could have significant impact in Turkey, Syria and Iraq.

Media close to the government have reported that the PKK's disarmament process is expected to take three to four months, with weapons being collected at designated locations in northern Iraq under official supervision.