Turkey attacks Kurdish Workers Party camps in Iraq in blow to peace process

Turkish fighter jets launched attacks on camps of the militant Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) in northern Iraq overnight, the prime minister's office said on Saturday, in what is likely to be a major blow to the stalled Kurdish peace process.

Ground forces hit the PKK as well as Islamic State fighters in northern Syria, it said, as part of Ankara's campaign to take a prominent role in the US-led coalition against the Islamist militant group.

The air strikes hit PKK targets in several locations, targeting warehouses, "logistic points", living quarters and storage buildings, it said.

The attack will probably deal a blow to the fragile peace process with the Kurds that was started in late 2012.

Turkey launched its first-ever air attack against Islamic State targets in Syria early on Friday, promising more decisive action against both the jihadists and Kurdish militants.

Turkish broadcasters later reported a second round of air strikes against Islamic State and the PKK shortly before midnight on Friday.

related articles
Turkey: Protesters clash with police for second night after suspected Islamic State suicide bombing
Turkey: Protesters clash with police for second night after suspected Islamic State suicide bombing

Turkish police detained at least 11 people overnight as anti-government protests following a suicide bombing blamed on Islamic State turned violent in Istanbul and other cities.

Turkey takes fight to Islamic State in air attacks on Syria bases
Turkey takes fight to Islamic State in air attacks on Syria bases

Turkish fighter jets pounded Islamic State targets in Syria early this morning.

News
Campaign aims to mobilise 500,000 Christians for Christmas outreach
Campaign aims to mobilise 500,000 Christians for Christmas outreach

Shine Your Light is aiming to mobilise half a million Christians to share the gospel with five million people across the UK this Christmas, with more than 2,000 churches already signed up, organisers say.

The Church of England should repent for previous calls to ban 'conversion therapy'
The Church of England should repent for previous calls to ban 'conversion therapy'

The Church of England's uneasiness about the government's ‘conversion practices’ bill is a perfect lesson in the old adage, 'be careful what you wish for,' writes Dr Martin Davie.

Leaked Home Office report links 'Christian extremism' to traditionalist beliefs and immigration concerns
Leaked Home Office report links 'Christian extremism' to traditionalist beliefs and immigration concerns

An internal Home Office report lists concerns about immigration, multiculturalism and changing social values among the characteristics associated with what it calls "Christian extremism", it has been reported.

Tearfund calls for COP31 funding to reach farmers struggling with climate change and food insecurity
Tearfund calls for COP31 funding to reach farmers struggling with climate change and food insecurity

Tearfund warns that worsening climate conditions are threatening food production and pushing more people towards hunger.