Turkey’s military operation in Iraq

Turkey’s military operation has drawn  criticism from the US [AFP]

Turkey’s raids into northern Iraq are continuing, amid international consternation.

Iraq says it fears the incursion could destabilise the whole region, while the US has urged Turkish forces to complete their mission quickly.

Turkey began the raids on Thursday, targeting the hideouts of PKK fighters, who have been demanding for decades an independent Kurdish state within Turkey.

According to the Turkish military, nearly 80 rebels have been killed, while the PKK in turn claims it has killed about 15 Turkish soldiers and downed one of their helicopters.

 
It is Turkey’s first ground incursion into Iraq since the US-led invasion of the country in 2003.

 
Inside Story, with presenter Hashem Ahelbarra, explores what the long-term implications will be.