Turkish ground forces crossed the Iraqi border on Tuesday, searching for Kurdistan Workers Party (P.K.K.) rebels. Turkish warplanes also continued their ongoing air attacks. In the past, Turkey has staged many operations without permission from Baghdad, but this is the first time ground troops have been deployed since 2011. Authorities in Turkey say it is a short-term operation.
The P.K.K. had waged a guerrilla war against Turkey for about 30 years, but peace talks moved forward in 2013 and a cease-fire was set in place. Last year, however, the siege of Kobanê in Syria triggered riots in Turkey and the truce began to unravel. Some critics believe that Turkish President Recep Erdoğan is fueling the conflict to gain votes for his party.
At least 189 were killed and 35 were wounded across Iraq:
In Baghdad, acting Deputy Justice Minister Abdel Karim Faris was kidnapped by black-clad assailants. Baghdad Operations Command denied reports that a second official and two bodyguards were also taken. Separately gunmen killed a policeman and wounded an officer.
Militants executed 27 people in Mosul in an electric chair. Also executed were a municipal councilman and a former female candidate.
Eight soldiers were shot dead in Albu Khalifa.
In Baghdad, a civilian was shot dead.
A roadside bomb near Jurf al-Sakhar wounded three militiamen.
Three civilians were wounded in a roadside blast in Kamira.
As many as 50 militants were killed during airstrikes in Joabh.
In Baiji, 22 militants were killed in separate clashes. Two suicide bombers were also killed.
Nineteen militants were killed in Sinjar.
In Hawija, airstrikes left 17 dead and 23 wounded.
Unknown gunmen killed nine militants in Sukar.
A bomb in Tal Afar killed eight militants and wounded five more.
In Ramadi, six militants were killed when the car bomb they were working on exploded.
Six militants were killed during airstrikes on Ba’shiqah.
An emir and three bodyguards were killed during strikes on Daquq.
In Husayba, seven militants were killed.
