In a statement on Friday, March 1, the State Department said that it had “reviewed and maintained the Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) designation of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), pursuant to Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as amended (8 U.S.C. § 1189).”

Since designating the PKK over two decades ago, the United States has worked with Turkey and other Allies to counter the terrorist threat from the PKK,” the statement continued.

It further noted the US government’s efforts to combat the PKK’s financing operations in Europe. The EU also classifies the PKK as a terrorist organization.

“Designations of terrorist individuals and groups expose and isolate them, and deny them access to the US financial system. Moreover, designations can assist the law enforcement actions of other US agencies and governments,” the statement concluded.

Reporter’s code: 50101