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Turkey launches offensive against Kurdish Workers Party in Iraq

Special to World Tribune.com
MIDDLE EAST NEWSLINE
Wednesday, March 27, 2002

ANKARA Ñ Turkey has launched an offensive against Kurdish insurgents in northern Iraq.

Kurdish sources said Turkey has sent F-16 multi-role fighters to attack bases of the Kurdish Workers Party in Iraq. The sources said the air attack took place over the weekend and at least 25 Kurds were killed.

The bases targeted were in the Kandil mountains, the sources said. At least four F-16s participated in the raid of four PKK positions.

The area is said to be a PKK stronghold and thousands of Kurdish insurgents are said to have taken refuge in the mountains. The sources said the Turkish Air Force apparently chose the Newruz holiday when Kurdish insurgents left their lairs to celebrate.

Turkish military sources confirmed that Ankara launched an attack on PKK strongholds last week. But they did not disclose any details.

Turkey launches periodic search-and-destroy missions against an estimated 5,000 Kurdish insurgents in northern Iraq. The raids are often joined by Kurdish allies of Turkey.

The PKK is said to have changed its name to the Peoples Liberation Party. The military wing is now called the National Defense Forces. Turkish officials said the name change was urged by the European Union.

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