Iraq condemns Turkish bombings

BAGHDAD, Dec. 17 (UPI) -- The Iraqi government Monday condemned bombing raids into northern Iraq by Turkish troops searching for rebel bases.

Iraqi Kurdish leaders said several villages in the Qandil mountains sustained heavy damage and at least one civilian was killed in Sunday's raid on bases of the militant Kurdistan Workers Party, Voice of America reported.

The Iraqi government said it was neither consulted nor informed of the Turkish attacks. U.S. officials said they received advanced warning from Turkey about the raids, but declined to say whether they authorized them.

Deputy State Department spokesman Tom Casey said the United States considers the PKK a terrorist organization that must be "put out of business." He said it is important that any actions taken be coordinated between Turkey and Iraq.

Masoud Barzani, leader of the Kurdish region in the north, condemned the assaults as a violation of Iraqi sovereignty.

"These attacks hinder the political efforts exerted to find peaceful solution based on mutual respect," he said in a statement.