'Kurd attack' kills 12 in Turkey

BBC News \ Last Updated: Saturday, 29 September 2007, 23:30 GMT 00:30 UK

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Twelve people have been killed after Kurdish separatists ordered them off a bus in south-east Turkey and opened fire, Turkish officials say.

Civilians and armed guards were said to be among the victims of the ambush, and just two passengers survived.

The attack, in Sirnak province near the Iraqi border, followed the killing of a Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) leader.

On Friday Iraq and Turkey signed a security agreement aimed at curbing the activities of the banned PKK.

The Turkish government in Ankara says 4,000 PKK fighters are operating from the Iraqi side of the border.

Turkey has been considering crossing the border to pursue the group.

Sticking point

But on Friday Iraq denied Turkey permission to pursue armed separatists onto Iraqi territory.

Instead they signed a wide-ranging deal, pledging to prevent finance, logistical support and propaganda for the PKK.

Ankara has warned Baghdad to crack down on Kurdish rebels in Iraq or face a possible incursion by Turkish troops.

The PKK has been fighting for autonomy in south-eastern Turkey since 1984 and more than 30,000 people have been killed in the conflict.

The PKK has been labelled a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the US and the EU.

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