Turkish troops cross into Iraq, head for PKK bases: sources

Monday, 24 October, 2011 , 17:49

DIYARBAKIR, Turkey, Oct 24, 2011 (AFP) — Turkish troops crossed into northern Iraq late Monday, heading towards Kurdish rebel bases in Haftanin valley, local security sources said.

Some 20 tanks and 30 military trucks entered Iraqi soil from Siyahkaya village around 15 kilometers (eight miles) east of the Habur gate on the Turkish side of the border, sources said.

The Turkish army also carried troops by helicopter to the Zap region, they added.

Some 400 rebels of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) are thought to be based in the region.