Turkey permits military to move against rebels in Iraq
ANKARA, TURKEY — Turkey’s prime minister said Friday the government had authorized the military to launch a cross-border operation at any time against Kurdish rebels based in northern Iraq.
There was no sign following the announcement by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan that the military was gearing up for an immediate attack on Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, positions in Iraq.
Erdogan’s statement appeared to indicate that Turkish civilian and military leaders were working out details of a possible offensive in Iraq until this week.
“As of Nov. 28, the Turkish Armed Forces have been given an authorization concerning a cross-border operation,” Erdogan said. The authorization followed a Nov. 26 Cabinet meeting, as well as approval by President Abdullah Gul, Erdogan said.
Parliament voted Oct. 17 to authorize the government to order a cross-border operation against the PKK, which has been fighting for autonomy for the Kurdish minority in southeastern Turkey since 1984.
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