Turkey withdraws from northern Iraq, PKK claims victory

Turkey pulled its troops out of northern Iraq on Friday, ending a major offensive against Kurdish PKK rebels that some feared could spread conflict through the region.

A statement by Turkey's armed forces denied any foreign influence on the decision, which came a day after US President George W. Bush urged a swift end to offensive.

"There was no question of completely liquidating the terrorist organization, but Turkey has shown the organization that northern Iraq is not a safe haven for them," the General Staff said.