Turkish forces enter Iraq chasing Kurds

Turkish ground forces crossed into northern Iraq for a “short-term” operation in pursuit of Kurdish rebels, a Turkish government official said Tuesday.

The troops crossed the border as part of a “hot pursuit” of PKK rebels who were involved in a roadside bomb attack that killed 16 soldiers on Sunday, the government official said.

“This is a short-term measure intended to prevent the terrorists’ escape,” the official said on condition of anonymity in line with government rules.

The private Dogan news agency, citing unnamed military sources, said two battalions from Turkey’s special forces crossed the border.

— AP