Global Security Studies Practicum

Turkey engaged in full battle with the militant group PKK inside Iraq on Tuesday. The PPK claims over 1,000 Turkish troops with sophisticated weaponry entered the PKK's base area in a full frontal assault. Turkey has denied this assertion and premier Raccip Erdogan also denied news reports of over 1,300 militants casualties. The PKK active in the region where a major earthquake struck on Sunday and has many supporters in the area. However, Raccip Erdogan is working to win support from ordinary Kurds in order to marginalize the PKK's influence in the region. Both sides have exaggerated casualty claims in order to boost morale in their respective camps.Violent clashes between Turkish forces and the PKK is on the increase and dashes any hope for a peaceful resolution. Source: Turkey Hits Group Of Militants Inside Iraq http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204644504576653494115642586.html Reliability (9)

Baghdad- Turkish military planes entered Iraqi territory last night in pursuit of PKK rebels who had killed 28 Turkish troops in Southeast Turkey. The rebels are part of Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), are fighting for autonomy in Turkey. The rebels attacked Turkish military installations in two cities near the Iraqi border. Turkey retaliated by sending in Helicopter gunships and air force bombers. Istanbul based Dogan news agency reports that 20 Kurdish fighters have died since the counteroffensive by Turkey but the PKK leader disputes that. The government of the semi-autonomous Iraqi Kurdistan disavowed the attacks and called it counterproductive to Kurdish interests. Source : http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/turkey-mounts-counterattack-in-iraq/2011/10/19/gIQANR3wxL_story.html Reliability (9) Comments:   Kurds are minority group in Iraq and Turkish and have clamored for independence for decades. Kurds inhabit Southeast Turkey and Northern Iraq and the region is s...