Quote:
Originally Posted by S-2
U.S. Not Alerted By Turkish Forces
Although a coordination center has been established in Ankara involving U.S., Iraqi, and Turkish military personnel to share information about intelligence and operations, U.S. military officials in Iraq were apparently unaware of an impending airstrike on PKK targets within Iraq until Turkish aircraft had already passed into Iraqi airspace.
Evidently, "hot pursuit" involving multiple strike sorties by Turkish forces didn't leave time for adequate (any?) notification.
Very unhelpful and intended as such, it might seem. This isn't an unreasonable assessment in light of recent events. I can only hope that Abdullah Gul has appeased Turkish pride, assuaged his political advisors and can now get down to the business of properly coordinating these missions for best military effect.
|
The "hot pursuit" mentioned in the article is very questionable. I believe the article tells a mix of what is and what is not. Turkey has conducted two strikes against PKK camps. They are clearly not hot pursuit operations. Here I believe the article is misleading.
On the other hand, it may be true that Turkish Armed Forced did not provide US forces with enough time. I am sure this will improve in the future.