The Turkish army informed the Kurdistan Regional Government President, Mesut Barzani, about the air raid on Sideka centered Xinere and Xakurke, before it took place. It was also learned that Turkey and Iran are cooperating in a joint operation in Kelareþ region.

Turkish war planes bombed the areas of Xinere, Xakurke, Geliye Mihare, Þekyu, Corca, Býndevane, Þuþane, Lolan, Þekif Mountain, Dola 44 and 'Martyr Beritan' regions. Twenty war planes took part in the raid, while Ankara is said to have informed Mesut Barzani and the Kurdish Regional government beforehand.

The Baghdad ambassador to Turkey met president Barzani three days ago. At the meeting, which was closed to press, it is claimed that the discussion subject was indeed the raid that took place yesterday. In addition, the Kurdish government’s silence made speculations all the easier.

PREPARATION FOR A JOINT OPERATION IN KELAREÞ

Meanwhile, it has been learned that Turkey and Iran are preparing for a joint operation in Kelareþ. Local sources said that Iran have deployed nearly three thousand pastars (Iranian Revolutionary Guards) to Kelareþ and the Turkish military is getting more active in the region. The operation is said to be planned against PJAK and PKK guerrillas.

Translator: Berna Ozgencil