Turkey considering forming special military unit to guard border, fight Kurdish rebels

Turkey to form professional army to fight rebels

ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey’s defense minister says the military is working on plans for a specially-trained professional military unit that would man dangerous outposts and fight Kurdish rebels.

Turkey has long been considering a professional army to fight Kurdish guerrillas who are battling for autonomy. Many acknowledge that the largely conscript army, is insufficiently trained.

Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul said Wednesday soldiers recruited to the unit would serve for up to 10 years. They would guard the border with Iraq, from where the rebels launch attacks.

Gonul said his ministry is working on the legal aspects of the plan while the military is finalizing other details.

The fighting between the rebels and the military has killed some 40,000 people since 1984.