Turkish Officials: Israeli Drone Surveillance Data Given to PKK

Drone Data Used to Set Up PKK Camps in Northern Syria

by Jason Ditz, January 17, 2012

Antiwar.com


Officials from the Turkish intelligence agencies are reporting that surveillance data collected by Israeli drones is being given to the Kurdistan Worker’s Party (PKK) in helping them plan operations against Turkish targets.


A new report says that the surveillance has been going on for awhile, and that Turkey has caught Israeli drones flying over its southern provinces. They also say that PKK leaders have repeatedly visited Israel in recent months, presumably to get access to the data.
The consequences of the move are so far unclear, but Turkish officials believe that the data was used to help the PKK set up training camps in Northern Syria in places where the presence of border patrol isn’t as strong.

The revelation could have serious consequences for Israel’s already strained relationship with Turkey. So far Israeli officials haven’t addressed the latest claims, but in September Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman urged Israel to begin arming the PKK to “punish” Turkey for perceived diplomatic slights.