ANKARA: A Turkish official says Turkish ground forces have crossed into northern Iraq for a 'short-term' operation in pursuit of Kurdish rebels. The government official says the troops crossed the border as part of a 'hot pursuit' of PKK rebels who were involved in a roadside bomb attack that killed 16 soldiers on Sunday. The official said Tuesday that 'this is a short-term measure intended to prevent the terrorists' escape.' The official spoke on condition of anonymity in line with government rules.