Turkish Defense Minister Fikri Isik says Ankara is under no obligation to keep its military forces on its own side of the border.
Reuters: Turkish military deploy tanks, military vehicles to Iraqi border area: sources
Turkey's military has begun deploying tanks and other armored vehicles to the town of Silopi near the Iraqi border, in a move the defense minister said on Tuesday was related to the fight against terrorism and developments across the border.
Fikri Isik said Turkey had "no obligation" to wait behind its borders and would do what was necessary if Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants took a foothold in northwest Iraq's Sinjar region, around 115 km (71 miles) south of Silopi.
"We will not allow the threat to Turkey to increase," he told broadcaster A Haber in an interview.
The army deployment, disclosed by military sources, came after President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday that Turkey was aiming to reinforce its troops in Silopi.
Photos from the sources showed a long column of vehicles, including tanks, tank rescue vehicles and construction vehicles in single file on a dual carriageway.
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WNU Editor: Iraq drew the line last month on what would happen if Turkey military forces enter Iraq .... Iraq Threatens Turkey With War After Erdogan Deploys Tanks To Iraqi Border (Zero Hedge).
More News On Reports That Turkey Is Deploying Tanks And Soldiers On The Iraqi Border
Turkey Deploys Tanks, Military Vehicles to Border With Iraq -- AP
Turkey deploys tanks to Silopi across from Iraq -- Hurriyet Daily News
Turkey Deploys Tanks On Border, Saying They May Be Sent Into Iraq -- RFE
Turkey deploys tanks, artillery near Iraq border -- AFP
Turkey military deployment in Silopi related to Iraq developments: minister -- Reuters
Turkey Deploys Tanks Near Iraq Border as Defense Against Terror Threats -- Sputnik
Turkey military deployment in Silopi related to Iraq developments -- Jerusalem Post
