ANKARA:Turkish ground forces on Tuesday crossed the Iraqi border in pursuit of Kurdish militants. Government officials said the incursion was a “short-term” measure to hunt down Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) rebels.
Turkish warplanes also launched air strikes on PKK bases in northern Iraq. Meanwhile, at least 14 Turkish police officials were killed in a bomb attack.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the PKK had suffered serious damage inside and outside of Turkey and was in a state of panic.
Sources said, “Turkish security forces crossed the Iraqi border as part of the hot pursuit of PKK terrorists who were involved in the most recent attacks.” Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu responded by pledging to “wipe out” rebel strongholds.
