May 7, 2007: The U.S. believes the
PKK (Kurdistan Workers Party) "operated from headquarters in part of northern
Iraq and directed forces to target mainly Turkish security forces, government
offices and villagers who opposed the KGK/PKK." The KGK refers to the Kongra-Gel (PKK's
political wing). The U.S. also believes the PKK has a "presence" in Cyprus.
This brings together two of Turkey's thorniest foreign policy issues - the PKK
Kurdish insurgency and Cyprus. Cyprus serves as a transit point for lots of
arms smuggling. It stands to reason the Kurds would use it as well.
May 6, 2007: Turkey reported that
five PKK rebels died in a series of firefights in SIrnak and Hatay. Two Turkish
troops died in the incidents.
May 5, 2007: Minor incidents
continue in the Syria-Iraq-Turkey border region. A Turkish soldier died hitting a PKK landmine
in Hakkari province. The Turkish military claimed it killed two PKK rebels in a
firefight in Sirnak province.
