Turkey has built up military forces on the Iraqi border amid tensions over Turkish Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants using hideouts in Kurdish-controlled northern Iraq.
However, Gates refused to comment on a reported U.S. naval bombardment of terrorist targets in Somalia. He described the situation as "possibly an ongoing operation," and said he would not comment further.
Reports have said that a U.S. warship shelled suspected Al-Qaeda targets in northern Somalia on June 1 after government troops clashed with Islamic militants.
(compiled from agency reports)
Searching For A Way Forward
LOOKING BEYOND AL-MALIKI: RFE/RL Iraq analyst Kathleen Ridolfo led an RFE/RL briefing about the changing political landscape in Iraq, focusing on efforts to gain the upper hand in the event that the government of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki falls.
LISTEN
Listen to the entire briefing (about 70 minutes):Real Audio Windows Media
RELATED ARTICLES
Opposition Appears Set On Bringing Down Al-Maliki
Former Premier Pushing New Plan For Reconciliation
Al-Sadr Prepares For Post-Coalition Era
Sunni Ultimatum Rocks Al-Maliki's Position
THE COMPLETE STORY: RFE/RL's complete coverage of events in Iraq and that country's ongoing transition.