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Turkish Troops Said Missing

Troops and trucks mass on northern Iraqi border after Kurdish ambush; incursion looms

By Jane Yager,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 22, 2007 7:28 AM CDT
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(Newser) – A Turkish convoy with dozens of military vehicles joined tens of thousands of troops massed on the Iraqi border today, as the military announced that eight soldiers were missing, in addition to 12 killed, in an ambush by Kurdish militants early yesterday morning. The Turks shelled Kurdish camps over the border for nearly 24 hours  in retaliation for the attacks. Protesters across the country demanded tough action and opposition leaders called for PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan to resign.

Turkish leaders said after an emergency meeting last night  they would "pay any price" to protect their nation but announced no imminent plans for an invasion. Erdogan said Condoleeza Rice had phoned during the meeting to urge him to give the US "a few days to take certain steps" before taking drastic action.

Demonstratos shout slogans to condemn a recent attack by the Kurdish rebels on the Turkish troops, during a protest in Ankara, Turkey, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2007. Kurdish rebels ambushed a military unit at the Turkey's border with Iraq early Sunday, killing 12 soldiers and increasing pressure on the Turkish government...
Demonstratos shout slogans to condemn a recent attack by the Kurdish rebels on the Turkish troops, during a protest in Ankara, Turkey, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2007. Kurdish rebels ambushed a military unit at...   (Associated Press)
A Turkish army tank heads toward Sirnak at the Turkey-Iraq border in this Oct. 9, 2007 file photo. Kurdish rebels ambushed a military unit at the Turkey's border with Iraq early Sunday Oct 21 2007, killing 12 soldiers and increasing pressure on the Turkish government to stage attacks against Kurdish...
A Turkish army tank heads toward Sirnak at the Turkey-Iraq border in this Oct. 9, 2007 file photo. Kurdish rebels ambushed a military unit at the Turkey's border with Iraq early Sunday Oct 21 2007, killing...   (Associated Press)
Map locates Daglica, Turkey, where Kurdish rebels killed 12 Turkish soldiers; 1c x 2 3/4 inches; 46.5 mm x 69.9 mm
Map locates Daglica, Turkey, where Kurdish rebels killed 12 Turkish soldiers; 1c x 2 3/4 inches; 46.5 mm x 69.9 mm   (Associated Press)
A Turkish army tank heads toward Sirnak at the Turkey-Iraq border in this Oct. 9, 2007 file photo. Kurdish rebels ambushed a military unit at the Turkey's border with Iraq early Sunday, killing 12 soldiers and increasing pressure on the Turkish government to stage attacks against Kurdish rebel camps in...
A Turkish army tank heads toward Sirnak at the Turkey-Iraq border in this Oct. 9, 2007 file photo. Kurdish rebels ambushed a military unit at the Turkey's border with Iraq early Sunday, killing 12 soldiers...   (Associated Press)
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Turkish prime minister warns US: we will attack Kurdish rebels in Iraq
Times (UK)

Iraq and Turkey see tensions rise after ambush
New York Times

 
Iraq • Turkey • NATO • Condoleezza Rice • Kurdistan • Kurdish Militants • Recep Tayyip Erdogan

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