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 05 July 2008 14:10 BST

Turkish troops move out of northern Iraq as 'goals reached'

Friday, 29 Feb 2008 16:00
Turkey has withdrawn its troops from northern Iraq
Turkey has decided to move its troops out of northern Iraq, claiming it has reached its goals against Kurdish rebels in the area.

A statement from the army said troops are returning to their bases in Turkey.

The decision to withdraw troops comes a day after US president George Bush urged a swift end to the offensive.

The ground offensive was launched last week by Turkey to prevent Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) rebels using the region as a base for attacks.

Iraqi foreign minister Hoshiyar Zebari welcomed the end of the campaign.

"We think this is the right thing for Turkey to do," he said.

Conflicting reports have emerged about the outcome of the week-long battle. Turkey claims 237 rebels have been killed and that it suffered the loss of 24 soldiers.

But the PKK says it has killed more than 100 Turkish soldiers.

Turkey blames the deaths of over 30,000 people on PKK efforts to establish a Kurdish homeland in south-east Turkey since 1984.
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