Iraq PM warns Turkey as Ankara deploys troops

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi warned Turkey against provoking a confrontation, after Ankara deployed tanks and artillery near the border.

"The invasion of Iraq will lead to Turkey being dismantled. We do not want war with Turkey, and we do not want a confrontation with Turkey," Abadi said at a televised news conference.

"But if a confrontation happens, we are ready for it. We will consider (Turkey) an enemy and we will deal with it as an enemy," Abadi said.

Turkish military sources said Tuesday that it had deployed tanks and artillery to southeastern districts near the Iraqi border.