"There is one thing that remains clear, and that is the United States, Turkey, and Iraq all will continue to view the PKK as a terrorist organization that needs to be dealt with," said spokesman Gordon Johndroe.

His comments came after Turkey pulled troops out of Iraq after a campaign, launched late on February 21, against the separatist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), amid heavy US pressure to end the strike quickly.

"It was a targeted and relatively short operation," said Johndroe.

"But I would certainly expect that, in the future, that unless the PKK gives up terrorism, that we're going to have to continue to work with the Turks and the Iraqis to go after them," said the spokesman.

The PKK, listed as a terrorist group by Ankara and much of the international community, has waged an armed campaign for self-rule in Kurdish-majority southeast Turkey since 1984. The conflict has claimed more than 37,000 lives.

The United States, which also labels the PKK a terrorist group, supported its NATO ally during the incursion with intelligence on rebel fighter movements.

"We will continue to have cooperation with them in dealing with that organization," said Johndroe.

But Washington had been concerned that a prolonged incursion could escalate into a broader conflict between Turkish forces and the Iraqi Kurds, who run the autonomous administration of northern Iraq and are staunch US supporters.

At least 240 PKK militants were killed and dozens of rebel hideouts, logistics bases and ammunition depots destroyed, Turkey's military general staff said in a statement that put the army losses at 27 men.

Television footage showed dozens of military trucks loaded with soldiers crossing into Turkey from the border town of Cukurca, while empty vehicles climbed mountainous roads in the opposite direction.

US President George W. Bush had urged the Turkish army Thursday to leave Iraq "as quickly as possible" and Defense Secretary Robert Gates personally put pressure on Turkish leaders during a series of meetings in Ankara.

The military, however, insisted the withdrawal decision was made "under no external or internal influence."

It said some forces had already returned home before Friday "in line with the original planning."