The measures come amid frustration with US inactivity against the PKK and the expected infiltration of PKK militants from their mountain bases in northern Iraq with the arrival of spring.The military put all troops on alert at the Iraqi border after receiving intelligence reports that the PKK would carry out attacks as the snow melts in mountain passes, thus easing passage from Iraq to Turkey.
On March 10 Land Forces Commander Gen. İlker Başbuğ visited Diyarbakır in southeastern Anatolia and said that he went to the area to evaluate the current state of affairs with respect to internal security operations under way in the region as well as developments that were likely to arise in spring and summer. He added that they would also make an assessment as to what measures could be taken in the face of emerging conditions.
One week after Başbuğ’s visit, the 2nd and 3rd Armies deployed in the border region were put on alert while Turkish troops were sent to the border and were significantly reinforced. The leaves of military personnel of Turkish troops in Hakkari, Şırnak, Batman and Diyarbakır have been canceled for a period of three months, whicle heavy restrictions have been imposed on the leaves of troops located to the west of these provinces. Flights across the border by aircraft and helicopters of the Land Aviation Command in Diyarbakır have been stepped up. Alpine Commando Brigades in Şırnak and Hakkari were deployed to the border. All of the 7th Corps military equipment in Diyarbakır, particularly that of the 23rd Division Command and 21st Border Division Command, was renewed, and new weapons have been supplied.
The Office of the Chief of General Staff acknowledges extraordinary military activity in this region but adds that they are not evaluating a cross-border operation, a measure that is also opposed by the United States. However, Turkey’s decision will be shaped according to the steps the US soon takes.
This activity in the region should not be considered a cross-border operation but as preliminary preparations for a cross-border operation, the intelligence sources say.
The real reason for the deployment of Turkish troops to the border is, they say, to curb the infiltration of the PKK militants from northern Iraq to Turkey. After PKK weapons and ammunition were found in northern Iraq’s Makhmour camp, the US realized that the PKK was receiving significant support from the locals, they explain, arguing that the camp might be closed down in the near future. A delegation of the US Department of State will reportedly pay a visit to Turkey in next week to conduct talks before any cross-border operation.
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