February 27, 2008 - 14:29 AMT
Kurdish rally dispersed in Van
Hundreds of Kurds in Turkey's Van took the streets Tuesday to protest cross-border operations in Iraqi Kurdistan. The police used water cannons and tear gas. Five protests were injured, several arrested, EuroNews reports.

Collisions between Kurdish rebels and Turkish troops are going on. Turkish troops with the assistance of defense technology and aviation advance through the snow-covered mountains to eliminate Kurdish facilities.

"The terrorist organization has based in northern Iraq. It destabilizes Iraq and represents a threat for Turkey. Our contribution to war on terror will help relations with Iraq," Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, adding that the troops will be immediately withdrawn after completion of the operation.

The Turkish command reported 150 killed Kurdish rebels and 19 Turkish troops.