The Turkish media, widely covering the so-called "border closure" has reported that the massive build-up aims to prevent new infiltration of Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants into the country while preventing those already in Turkish territory from escaping.
New troops were being deployed to the region from central and western parts of the country over the past weeks including reinforcements from as far west as Turkey's Thrace region in the wake of a new and controversial Anti-Terror Bill that is to be debated soon at the Turkish Parliament.
The PKK, issuing a statement on the developments, has claimed it is prepared for an operation against its ranks but has accused Iranian authorities of cooperating with Turkey too. Independent reports from the region have it that the organisation has divided its forces into smaller groups of approximately 20 armed men in order to survive the ongoing operations.
Chief of Staff Ozkok: No cross-border operation
Turkey's Chief of General Staff General Hilmi Ozkok appeared before journalists during an April 23 reception in Ankara marking the Independence and Childrens' day and denied rumours that the country was gearing up to stage a cross-border operatio.
Ozkok, answering journalist questions, argued that the troop movement in the region was not of extraordinary nature and said that it was part of preparations that took place every Spring. He also criticised the national press for disclosing information on troop movements and numbers in relation to developments there.
Asked whether US Secretary of State Rice's scheduled visit to Turkey this week would see a discussion on a Turkish cross-border incursion Ozkok was quoted as saying, "we cannot make a decision of that kind based on the USA. Every country is sovereign. Every country makes its own decisions. If the conditions change, you act by the changing conditions."
Army cancels leaves
In a separate report on developments in Southeast Turkey, the pro-Kurdish Firat News Agency (ANF) claimed that all leaves had been cancelled for a period of six months for troops in Southeast Turkey involved in the current operations.
ANF claimed over 200 thousands soldiers had been deployed to the border regions where, it said, the operation against the PKK is expected to take 16 months. It said soldiers already on leave had been called back to service. (II/YE)
