Embassy Official Says U.S. Was Warned Before Turkish Airstrike In Iraq
ISTANBUL, TURKEY — An American Embassy official in Turkey says the U.S. was informed before Turkish warplanes bombed rebel targets today in northern Iraq.
The U.S. has been providing Turkey with intelligence to go after the rebels, and a “coordination center” has been set up in Ankara so Turks, Iraqis and Americans can share information.
However, the United States and Iraq both have urged Turkey to avoid a major operation in the area, fearing it could destabilize what has been the calmest region in Iraq.
Turkey’s military says the bombing lasted nearly a half-hour, and was followed by shelling from inside Turkish borders.
The bombing is the third confirmed cross-border offensive by Turkish forces in less than a week.
