February13, 2007:
Several European countries have begun arresting PKK activists and
financial supporters. Belgium arrested at least four people allegedly tied to
the PKK, but on February 10 released the suspects. France arrested 13 PKK
members on February 5. The charges include smuggling and money laundering -
giving the European countries the "cover" of police operations. However, there
is a political element. Turkey has been complaining for two decades about
European sanctuaries for the PKK, and the U.S. has been encouraging the
European countries to help curb PKK financing.
February
7, 2007: The US urged Turkey to not launch a "cross border" action into Iraq to
pursue PKK rebels. Since last Fall, Turkey has said that if the US and Iraq do
not take concrete measures to stop PKK infiltration into Turkey, the Turkish
military will act. Turkey reported that 250 people died in PKK attacks
(including terror bomb attacks) in 2006. The Turks expect an increase in PKK
attacks once Winter ends. What are some "concrete measures" the Turkish
military is considering? Air attacks are the most probable. Last year both Iran
and Turkey shelled Kurd rebel positions in the Kandil Mountains. However,
artillery usually means artillery spotters. That can be done from the air, but most
likely Turkish special operations forces would be involved in both air and
artillery attacks. Turkish special operations forces conduct intelligence
operations in northern Iraq, and they know the area well. What the US fears is
another "incursion" with 50,000 to 100,000 Turkish troops. An "incursion" of
this size could go 40 to 50 kilometers into northern Iraq. The Turks refer to
this as a "limited" incursion. Given the number of troops, it is really a
sizeable operation. Turkey, however, could claim (credibly) that the attack is
not an invasion but an operation intended to destroy terrorist bases. The Turks
have done this before. The problem starts once the Turks leave and PKK cadres
re-infiltrate. What Turkey wants is the US and Iraq to stop the PKK from
returning to its bases.
February
5, 2007: Iraqi Kurds are urging PKK separatists to not conduct a "spring
terrorist campaign."