700 troops crossed the border, they were withdrawn today under US pressure, but I think also according to operational plan. The US doesn't want things to flare up in North Iraq, one of the more peaceful areas. But Turkey wants US cooperation to deal with the PKK.
Turkey already deploys 100,000 troops and heavy equipment along the border. But now of course the PKK actions turn against those troops.
PKK strength in the area has been reported to be in the thousands, which is more than just one or two camps, so I can see that over 50 aircraft were deployed.
About 20% of Turkish polution is estimated to the Kurdish. Syria 10%. Iran has 7% Kurds and doesn't want a Kurdistan either, so if any PKK would operate from Iran, you'll probably have cooperation, they signed agreements on this long time ago. But with Iraq close to total chaos, why fight from Iran. And northern Iraq has oil fields, so PKK presence there is more important. However it is a serious concern for Turkey if/when the US decides to invade Iran as well.
The operations are aimed against the PKK, not the Kurdish. But with 50 aircraft deployed against targets, I wouldn't be surpised if the peaceful Kurdish population did suffer. PKK rebels, freedom fighters, whatever, they are acting like terrorists, and have been for 20 years.
Israel got away with invading and bombing the hell out of Lebanon in retailiation for attacks on its soldiers, so who can tell Turkey to stop? Not the US...