Turkey steps up measures to fight against PKK

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Source: CCTV.com | 10-11-2007 09:28

Turkish military trucks carry tanks on a road connecting Turkey's southeastern town of Cizre to Sirnak, Oct. 9, 2007. Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan gave the green light on Tuesday for a possible military incursion into northern Iraq to crush Kurdish rebels hiding there after a series of deadly attacks on Turkish security forces. Erdogan is under heavy pressure from Turkey's powerful army and opposition parties to take tough action against rebels of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) after they shot dead 13 soldiers on Sunday near the Iraqi border. (Xinhua Photo)

Tension is high as the Turkish government prepares to authorize a military incursion against Kurdish separatist fighters in northern Iraq. Turkey's prime minister has announced preparations for parliamentary approval of a military mission.

Turkey's government has begun operation to pursue rebels from the Kurdish Workers Party, or the PKK.

Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan says all measures, including military ones, will be considered in the fight against the PKK rebels. Some 3,000 PKK members are believed to be holed up in mainly Kurdish northern Iraq.

Turkish authorities have detained 20 Kurds with suspected rebel links at a border crossing.Turkish warplanes have bombed suspected Kurdish rebel positions.

Turkish troops are blocking rebel escape routes into Iraq. Warplanes and helicopters have dropped bombs on possible hideouts. And the military have dispatched tanks to the region to support the operation.

The military moves followed the rebels' killing of 15 government soldiers. It has prompted Turkey's government to push for a possible cross-border offensive against the PKK strongholds in northern Iraq.

Kurdish rebels in Turkey have been fighting for autonomy in the country's southeast since 1984. The fighting has claimed tens of thousands of lives.