Turkey Launches New Military Offensive Against The Kurds In Northern Iraq

 

Al Jazeera: Turkey launches new offensive against Kurdish rebels in Iraq 

Ankara says the air and ground operation, which started Sunday night, is targeting PKK fighters in northern Iraq. 

Turkey has launched a new air and ground offensive against Kurdish fighters in northern Iraq, defence minister Hulusi Akar said. 

Commando units and special forces, backed by unmanned aerial vehicles and attack helicopters involved in Operation Claw-Lock, are targeting Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) hideouts in the Metina, Zap and Avashin-Basyan regions of northern Iraq, Akar said on Monday.  

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Turkey Launches New Military Offensive Against The Kurds In Northern Iraq  

Turkey launches new ground, air offensive in northern Iraq -- ABC News/AP  

Turkish warplanes hit Kurdish militant targets in northern Iraq- state news agency -- Reuters  

Turkey launches new offensive against Kurdish militants in Iraq -- DW  

Turkish Forces Attack Kurdish Rebel Positions in Iraq -- VOA  

Turkish military targets 'PKK's heartland in Iraq' in new ground operation -- Middle East Eye  

Turkey begins large-scale operation in northern Iraq against Kurdish militants -- Arab News

Turkey Launches Military Offensive Against Kurdish Rebels In North Iraq

The National: Turkey flies commandos into Iraq in cross-border raid against Kurdish PKK

The unprecedented ground operation comes after days of heavy air strikes condemned by Arab states

Turkey has flown special forces into the Iraqi Kurdish regional governorate for a ground operation against militants, the Defence Ministry said on Wednesday.

The operation in Iraq’s Haftanin region, about 15 kilometres from the border, was launched following intense artillery fire into the area, the Turkish Defence Ministry said.

A Turkish military official said the operation began with artillery units targeting some 150 suspected PKK positions and was followed by an aerial attack involving F-16s, drones and attack helicopters.

"Operation Claw-Tiger has begun," it said on Twitter. "Our commandos, who are supported by combat helicopters and drones, have been transported by our air force," it said.

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WNU Editor: Now we know why Turkey's intelligence chief made a secret to Iraq a few days ago .... Turkey intelligence chief pays secret visit to Iraq (Middle East Monitor)

More News On Turkey Launching A Military Offensive Against Kurdish Rebels In North Iraq

Turkey begins offensive against Kurdish rebels in north Iraq -- AP
Turkey sends special forces into northern Iraq -- Al Jazeera
Turkish military strikes PKK positions, launches ground operation in northern Iraq -- Daily Sabah
Turkey launches Operation Claw-Tiger in northern Iraq -- Hurrieyt Daily News
Turkey begins fresh anti-terror Operation Claw-Tiger in northern Iraq -- TRT

Turkey Launches Military Operations Against Kurdish Forces In Northern Iraq

Anadolu Agency: Turkey launches counter-terror operation in north Iraq

Operation launched on Monday aim to neutralize terrorists, destroy their caves and shelters

The Turkish Armed Forces have launched a counter-terrorism operation in Hakurk, northern Iraq, the National Defense Ministry said Tuesday.

The military offensive, initiated Monday, aims to neutralize terrorists in the area. It began with artillery shelling and continued with airstrikes and commando operations.

Airstrikes destroyed weapons positions, shelters, caves and ammunition depots used by the terrorists with support from combat drones.

The ministry underlined that the operation was ongoing, as planned.

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More News On Turkey Launching Military Operations Against Kurdish Forces In Northern Iraq

Turkish military launches operation against militants in northern Iraq -- Reuters
Turkey launches counterterror operation in northern Iraq -- TRT
Turkey launches “Operation Claw” in Iraq -- Hurriyet Daily News
Turkey launches military op against Kurdish fighters in northern Iraq -- RT

As The Battle for Mosul Unfolds, Iraq-Turkey Tensions Are Rising

Al Jazeera: Iraq-Turkey tension rises amid battle for Mosul

Deployment of Turkish military near border elicits warning from Iraq's Abadi, who says "we do not want war with Turkey".

Iraq's prime minister has warned Turkey against provoking a confrontation while saying he does not want war.

Haider al-Abadi made the comments after Turkey deployed tanks and artillery near the Iraqi border and insisted that any Turkish involvement would be a violation of national sovereignty.

Turkey wants a a role in the battle to retake Mosul from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group, by virtue of being a member of the anti-ISIL coalition.

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WNU Editor: Turkey is telling Iraq to "calm down" .... Turkey says Iraqi border deployment a precaution, urges calm from Baghdad (Reuters).

Report: Turkey Deploying Tanks And Soldiers On The Iraqi Border

Turkish Defense Minister Fikri Isik says Ankara is under no obligation to keep its military forces on its own side of the border.

Reuters: Turkish military deploy tanks, military vehicles to Iraqi border area: sources

Turkey's military has begun deploying tanks and other armored vehicles to the town of Silopi near the Iraqi border, in a move the defense minister said on Tuesday was related to the fight against terrorism and developments across the border.

Fikri Isik said Turkey had "no obligation" to wait behind its borders and would do what was necessary if Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants took a foothold in northwest Iraq's Sinjar region, around 115 km (71 miles) south of Silopi.

"We will not allow the threat to Turkey to increase," he told broadcaster A Haber in an interview.

The army deployment, disclosed by military sources, came after President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that Turkey was aiming to reinforce its troops in Silopi.

Photos from the sources showed a long column of vehicles, including tanks, tank rescue vehicles and construction vehicles in single file on a dual carriageway.

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WNU Editor: Iraq drew the line last month on what would happen if Turkey military forces enter Iraq .... Iraq Threatens Turkey With War After Erdogan Deploys Tanks To Iraqi Border (Zero Hedge).

More News On Reports That Turkey Is Deploying Tanks And Soldiers On The Iraqi Border

Turkey Deploys Tanks, Military Vehicles to Border With Iraq -- AP
Turkey deploys tanks to Silopi across from Iraq -- Hurriyet Daily News
Turkey Deploys Tanks On Border, Saying They May Be Sent Into Iraq -- RFE
Turkey deploys tanks, artillery near Iraq border -- AFP
Turkey military deployment in Silopi related to Iraq developments: minister -- Reuters
Turkey Deploys Tanks Near Iraq Border as Defense Against Terror Threats -- Sputnik
Turkey military deployment in Silopi related to Iraq developments -- Jerusalem Post

Why Is Turkey So Determined To Participate In The Mosul Offensive

Reuters: Turkey determined to play role in planned Mosul offensive: Erdogan

Turkey is determined to take part in a planned operation by coalition forces to oust Islamic State from the Iraqi city of Mosul and will implement a "plan B" if it is not involved, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday.

In a speech in the city of Konya, Erdogan said Turkey would make its desire to take part in the operation known to its international partners in the coming days. He did not offer details on what an alternative strategy would entail.

Ankara has been locked in a fierce row with Baghdad over who should take part in the U.S.-backed assault on Mosul, which is expected to begin this month.

Turkey fears the use of Shi'ite militias, which the Iraqi army has relied on in the past, will stoke sectarian unrest and trigger an exodus of refugees.

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More News On Turkish Demands To be Involved In The Military Operation To Retake Mosul

Erdogan says Turkey determined to join Mosul operation -- AP
Turkey’s Demands Complicate Battle Plan to Retake Mosul From Islamic State -- WSJ
Turkish-backed militia in Iraq will participate in Mosul operation -- RUDAW
Turkey has its plan-B if excluded from Mosul operation: Erdoğan -- Hurriyet Daily News
Turkey Has 'Plan B' if Not Involved in Mosul Offensive - President Erdogan -- Sputnik
Turkey says botched assault on Iraq's Mosul would trigger refugee wave -- Reuters
Battle for Mosul: A row between Turkey and Iraq could derail the offensive -- Mark Lowen, BBC
Attack on Mosul: Why It Matters So Much to Turkey -- Sputnik

Iraq In A 'War Of Words' With Turkey On The Upcoming Battle For Mosul

USA Today: Sparks fly between Turkey, Iraq as battle looms to oust ISIL from Mosul

WASHINGTON — The leaders of Turkey and Iraq exchanged sharp words as they prepare for a military operation to oust Islamic State militants from the terror group’s last major redoubt in Iraq.

The latest salvo came from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in response to a demand from Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi that Turkey withdraw its troops from Iraq, where they’ve been training a multi-ethnic force to participate in the looming battle.

"You are not my interlocutor. You are not at my level. You are not my equivalent. You are not of the same quality as me," Erdogan said, referring to al-Abadi in a speech to Muslim religious leaders from the Balkans and Central Asia. "Your screaming and shouting in Iraq is of no importance to us. You should know that we will go our own way," Erdogan said, according to the Associated Press.

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WNU Editor: The Pentagon does not appear to be concerned .... Pentagon says fierce Iraq-Turkey feud won’t hinder key Islamic State battle (Washington Post). Even offering help for the Turks to leave .... US Pledges to Facilitate Turkish Troops Withdrawal From Iraq - Source (The Sputnik).

More News On The "War Of Words" Between Iraq And Turkey

Iraq FM rejects Turkey's pretexts for military presence in Iraq -- RUDAW
Iraq Summons Turkish Ambassador Over Erdogan's Remarks on Iraqi PM Abadi -- Sputnik
Turkey says botched assault on Iraq's Mosul would trigger refugee wave -- Reuters
Turkey, Iraq Edging Closer to Confrontation Ahead of Battle for Mosul -- The Cable/Foreign Policy
Turkey is crashing the party in Iraq and Syria -- RUDAW
Battle for Mosul: A row between Turkey and Iraq could derail the offensive -- Mark Lowen, BBC
Analysis: What is Turkey trying to achieve in Iraq? -- Birce Bora, Al Jazeera

The War Of Words Between Iraq And Turkey On The Up Coming Military Operation To Seize Mosul Intensifies

L.A. Times: Fragile alliance against Islamic State frays as Turkish president scolds Iraqi leader: 'You are not my equal'

In theory, Turkey and Iraq face a common enemy in Islamic State, but on Tuesday the Turkish president unleashed his ire on a putative ally, telling the Iraqi prime minister he needs “to know his limits.”

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan railed at Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Abadi, declaring, “You are not my equal and you are not at my level and your shouting in Iraq is not important to us at all.”

Erdogan’s remarks, which reflect the fragile ties linking those who view Islamic State as a threat, were made during a meeting of the Eurasian Islamic Council in Istanbul, according to Turkey’s state-run news agency Anadolu.

Abadi’s spokesman, Saad Hadithi, speaking to Sumariyah News, branded Erdogan’s statements “irresponsible.”

“After the rhetoric of Turkish officials has reached this level … we are convinced that discussions with the Turkish side are no longer useful,” Hadithi said.

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WNU Editor: The U.S. is trying (unsuccessfully) to defuse this row .... US tries to defuse Iraq-Turkey war of words over Mosul (Al Arabiya).

More News On The War Of Words Between Iraq And Turkey

Turkey's Erdogan slams Iraqi prime minister: 'Your screaming and shouting is of no importance to us' -- AP
Erdoğan slams isolation of Turkey from Iraq operation -- Hurriyet News
Turkey says its troops to stay in Iraq until Islamic State cleared from Mosul -- Reuters
Turkey's Erdogan Warns Iraq on Looming Battle for Mosul -- VOA
Officials: Turkey will remain in Iraq until ISIS is destroyed -- RUDAW
‘Know your limits’ Erdogan tells Abadi as Turkish troops advance in Iraq -- Al Bawabi/UPI
Turkey determined to prevent Mosul operation unleashing 'blood and fire': Erdogan -- Reuters
Iraqi PM Rejects Turkish Claim on Mosul Campaign -- AP
Iraqi PM hits back in war of words with Turkish president -- Hurriyet Daily News
Sparks fly between Turkey, Iraq as battle looms to oust ISIL from Mosul -- USA Today

Iraq's Prime Minister Warns Of War Against Turkey Due To Presence Of The Turkish Military In Northern Iraq

Reuters: Baghdad bridles at Turkey's military presence, warns of 'regional war'

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has warned Turkey that it risks triggering a regional war by keeping troops in Iraq, as each summoned the other's ambassador in a growing row.

Relations between the two regional powers are already broadly strained by the Syrian civil war and the rise of the Islamic State militant group.

Turkey's parliament voted last week to extend its military presence in Iraq for a further year to take on what it called "terrorist organizations" - a likely reference to Kurdish rebels as well as Islamic State.

Iraq's parliament responded on Tuesday night by condemning the vote and calling for Turkey to pull its estimated 2,000 troops out of areas across northern Iraq.

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More News On Iraq's Prime Minister Warning Turkey Of War Due To Their Military Presence In Northern Iraq

Iraq, Turkey Summon Each Other's Ambassadors in Protest -- AP
Iraqi PM Haider al-Abadi warns of war against Turkey after Mosul 'power vacuum' -- UPI
Iraq warns Turkey it risks 'regional war' by keeping troops on Iraqi soil -- The Telegraph
Iraq demands that Turkey pull its ‘occupying’ troops out of military base near Mosul -- RT
Iraq-Turkey tensions soar over impending Mosul operation -- AFP
Shiite militia in Iraq threatens to fight Turkish forces during anticipated Mosul offensive -- RUDAW
Turkey summons Iraq ambassador over 'unacceptable' statement by parliament -- RUDAW
Turkey says it does not aim to be an occupier in Iraq -- Al Arabiya
Turkish military in Iraq does not aim to be an occupier, deputy PM says -- Reuters

More Than 1,000 Turkish Soldiers Are Involved In Secret Ground Operations Against The Islamic State In Iraq

Turkey reportedly deployed about 150 troops and up to 25 tanks to northern Iraq without Baghdad's approval. (Reuters, file photo)

The Telegraph: Turkish troops taking on Isil in 'secret battle' in Iraq

Exclusive: More than 1,000 soldiers are engaged in covert ground war with the Islamic State near their stronghold of Mosul, against Iraq's

Turkish troops are locked in a covert fight against the Islamic State in north Iraq, the Telegraph has learned, despite Baghdad’s insistence that they leave the country.

Just nine miles northeast of the Isil stronghold of Mosul a number of tanks overlook the sprawling Nineveh plains, where they have been positioned for months.

With their barrels trained on the city, Ankara’s ground forces are engaged in shelling Isil, according to a Kurdish Peshmerga general.

“If the US was doing more the Turks wouldn’t have had to come in,” said General Bahram Yasin in reference to coalition efforts to tackle Isil.

Local witnesses have reported Turkish tanks moving around the base and shelling the insurgents. They also produced photographs showing two green camouflage tanks with distinctive turrets identified as Sabras (M60T), a model used by the Turkish military.

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Update: Turkey has up to 2,000 troops near Mosul despite Baghdad objections: Report (Middle East Monitor)

WNU Editor: The Turks are signalling to everyone in iraq that they are here to stay.