Turkish warplanes hit PKK targets in northern Iraq

Turkish warplanes hit PKK bases in neighboring northern Iraq yesterday, in apparent retaliation for a terrorist attack in southeast Turkey which killed eight soldiers earlier in the day. The air raids came hours after reports of an attack by PKK members on a military convoy in southeastern Turkey. The targets included anti-aircraft defences and PKK shelters in Kandil and the region. "Those who do not distance themselves from terrorism will pay the price," Prime Minister Erdogan told reporters yesterday on the sidelines of a conference in Istanbul. President Abdullah Gul condemned the killings, saying counterterrorism efforts are under way in all dimensions. "Turkey is not waiting for the end of Ramadan when it comes to counterterrorism measures. Whoever thinks that he can bring Turkey into line with terror, violence and weapons is greatly misled. The cost of this will also be very heavy," Gul said. Defense Minister Ismet Yilmaz also vowed tough response immediately after the attack. "The retaliation they will find will be manifold stronger," Yilmaz said. In Washington, US State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said the United States stands with Turkey in its fight against the PKK. The air raid was carried out on the eve of a meeting of the National Security Council (MGK), which meets once every two months and -which is expected to discuss the recent upsurge in separatist violence.