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.