Reply #21: Turkish military fires on Kurdish rebels inside Iraq

[HughMoran]

By
AP / December 1, 2007
Istanbul, Turkey—The Turkish military said Saturday it fired on 50 to 60 Kurdish rebels inside Iraqi territory, inflicting "significant losses."

It did not say whether Turkish troops crossed into Iraq.

The military said on its Web site that the rebels were detected following intelligence work and that military operations in the region would continue if necessary.

The military statement came a day after Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the government had authorized the military to launch a cross-border offensive against Kurdish rebels based in northern Iraq at any time.

"There was an intensified operation against the mentioned terrorists using fire support vehicles," the statement said. "The terrorist group suffered significant losses as a result of the operation," it added.

"If necessary, there will be other operations in the region using other means."