Iraq has accused Turkey of bombarding its territory with artillery fire in the latest escalation of tensions between the two countries. Ankara has been building up its forces in the border region to counter attacks by Kurdish separatists.

A statement from the Iraqi Foreign Ministry said the shelling caused “huge damage” in an area between Dahuk and Arbil provinces in the north.

Turkish leaders are debating whether to stage a major incursion to pursue the PKK rebels who cross over from bases in Iraq to attack Turkish targets.

In the heart of Turkey’s Kurdish-dominated border area, thousands of people took to the streets in Sirnak to protest against PKK violence.

Washington has expressed growing concern about the rising tensions, fearing they could erupt into a wider conflict.

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