Turks launch invasion against Kurdish rebels

[unhappycamper]

Source: Boston Globe



Turkish soldiers are shown during an operation in an undated photo provided by the Turkish chief of general staff. Iraq's government accused Turkey of destroying five bridges in violation of its vow to target only rebel bases. (Turkish Chief of General Staff via Reuters)


Turks launch invasion against Kurdish rebels
By Tina Susman
Los Angeles Times / February 23, 2008

BAGHDAD - Turkish troops clashed with Kurdish militants in the snowy mountains of northern Iraq yesterday after staging a surprise land invasion, the most serious offensive in years in Turkey's 24-year conflict with antigovernment rebels.

Iraq's government reacted angrily, demanding the troops' withdrawal and accusing Turkey of destroying five bridges in violation of its vow to target only rebel bases.

The White House confirmed it knew in advance of the invasion, which could inflame ethnic tensions in what has been the most peaceful region of Iraq. Iraqi Kurds sympathize with their Turkish brethren's quest for autonomy and want to expand Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region. But Arabs in the north fear greater Kurdish clout will sideline them.

There were conflicting accounts on the scope of the operation, which began Thursday night. Turkish media said 10,000 troops were on the move and had gone about 6 miles into Iraq to pursue Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, guerrillas, who use the border region to launch raids on Turkish forces.

Read more: http://www.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/articles/2008/02/23/turks_launch_invasion_against_kurdish_rebels/

[freedomnorth]

1. duplicate

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x3192872

[Warren Stupidity]

2. Coincidentally Bush wants to allow more guns in national parks

Perhaps we should just declare Iraq a new national park where the hunting of humans is permitted.