Statements by U.S. Officials

Statement By Tom Casey, Deputy Spokesman

The U.S. Department of State Designates PKK-Affiliated Terrorist Organization

U.S. Department of State
January 10, 2008

Today the United States designated the Kurdistan Freedom Falcons (TAK) as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist under Section 1(b) of E.O. 13224. TAK is affiliated with the PKK terrorist group and is responsible for multiple terrorist attacks in Turkey, which targeted tourist locations, military sites, and government buildings, resulting in several deaths.

With this designation, the United States reaffirms its commitment to fight terrorism in cooperation with its NATO ally, Turkey.  The United States will continue to work with Turkey, Iraq, and the rest of Europe against the PKK and its support networks and affiliates, such as the TAK.  There must be no safe havens for such terrorists.