Turk-Kurd Skirmish Migrates Into Iraq

A major offensive by Turkish troops against Kurdish rebels has spilled into northern Iraq, a senior official said Wednesday.

The government troops launched the offensive, backed by fighter jets and helicopter gunships, on Saturday after soldiers located a group of 500-600 Kurdish rebels crossing into Turkey from Iraq.

On Tuesday, authorities said at least 118 rebels had been killed in four days of clashes along the border with Iraq. Eleven soldiers were also reported killed.

The rebels have been fighting for autonomy in Turkey’s southeast for 12 years, often staging hit-and-run attacks from bases in northern Iraq. More than 21,000 people have died in the fighting.