Azerbaijan, Baku, Sept. 27 / Trend R. Hafizoglu /
A military operation, to be conducted by Turkey in northern Iraq against militants of the terrorist Kurdistan Workers' Party is fully consistent with international law, a source in the Turkish government told Trend on Thursday.
"Turkey's military operation against PKK militants does not violate the law," a source said. "All operations are being carried out within the boundaries of international law."
He added that everybody knows there is a threat to Turkey in northern Iraq and Turkey is obliged to protect its citizens.
Regarding the statements of some Iraqi officials about Turkey's illegal actions in Iraqi airspace, the source stressed that these statements are the personal opinion of these people and have nothing to do with reality. Turkey has begun delivering military equipment to the border with Iraq.
According to the general staff, Turkey will conduct the operation against militants of the terrorist Kurdistan Workers' Party, under an operation called 'Fall cleaning'.
Earlier, head of the Iraqi parliamentary security committee Iskander Witwit said that any Turkish military aircraft that penetrates into Iraq under the operation will be shot down.
Previously, it was also reported that the Turkish government has appealed to parliament to extend the mandate for cross-border operations against groups of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).
The period of the previous mandate expires on October 17. The new mandate is expected to be granted for one year. The mandate for cross-border operations covers the territory of northern Iraq.
The Turkish parliament for the first time allowed the army to strike at the PKK terrorist bases in the neighbouring country in 2007. The tension connected with frequent attacks of PKK militants has strengthened in Turkey.
The conflict between Turkey and the PKK has lasted for over 25 years. The PKK is recognised as a terrorist organisation by both the UN and the EU.