Turkey ends Iraq operation

Turkey has today ended its massive military raid into northern Iraq, but has denied it was acting under pressure from the West.

The end of the offensive against Kurdish rebel strongholds came a day after the US warned Turkey needed to move quickly and get out.

“Both the start and end dates of the operation were decided by us solely based on military reasoning and necessities,” the military said in a statement.

“Any influence, either foreign or domestic, on this decision by the Turkish Armed Forces is out of the question.”

Turkey invaded northern Iraq eight days ago hunting the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, who have carried out attacks in Turkey from bases across the border.

The military said 240 of them were killed, with Turkish losses at 27.

“Without a doubt, it is impossible to render the entire terrorist organisation ineffective with an operation in only one region. However, it has shown to the group that Iraq’s north is not a safe area for terrorists,” the military said.

“Terrorist activities in Iraq’s north will be observed in the future and no threat against Turkey from this region will be allowed.”

In October the Turkish parliament authorised the military to strike at the rebels across the border for a year.

“If necessary, the authorisation can be used again,” Justice Minister Mehmet Ali Sahin said.

Iraqi authorities have said they do not support the PKK but objected to Turkey’s military action.

At least 200 military and civilian trucks ferried weary, unshaven Turkish troops from the border with Iraq and through the Turkish town of Cukurca today, bound for barracks in Turkey’s interior.