TURKISH TROOPS MASS IN THE TENS OF THOUSANDS
TURKEY LAUNCHES MORTAR STRIKES AT KURDISH CAMPS
NORTHERN IRAQ VILLAGES "DEMOLISHED" IN ATTACK
From ZamanOnline : "The Turkish armed forces have launched their first military operation along the Iraqi border where Turkish troops have concentrated for days.
"The Northern Iraqi cities of Amedi and Zaho, sheltering Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) militants, were hit with mortar attacks in 'Operation Crescent.'
"First reports say that locations where militants were lodged....were demolished. Troop deployment to the region from different parts of the country continues.
"In another development, Kurdish militias (Peshmergas) under the leadership of Massoud Barzani tightened security measures along the Northern Iraqi border.
"On Thursday....(there was) a plea for cessation of external intervention in Iraq's domestic affairs. The need for agreement between officials from both Turkey and North Iraq was stressed."
"The Turkish army realized its first operation against eight Kurdish Workers’ Party (PKK) camps within the borders of Northern Iraq last week. The army will reportedly operate in accordance with intelligence coming from its troop stationed across the border."According to information gathered from a high-ranking official, the Turkish army is concentrating a military buildup on the border to prevent terrorists’ infiltrating across the border and to preserve its own border security in the case of a possible US intervention in Iran.
"The official who wanted to remain anonymous told that routine operations against the PKK will continue.
“'The special forces in Northern Iraq will try to clear Kandil Mountain, considered to be the headquarters of the PKK from terrorists, in a direct operation,' the official informed.
"In the case of possible US military action against Iran, Turkey will conduct its own military intervention in Iran 'to prevent terrorists’ crossing the border and to preserve border security.'"
