US urges Iraq to act swiftly against Kurdish rebels

WASHINGTON, Oct 22 (Reuters) - The White House today urged the Iraqi government to act swiftly to stop Kurdish rebels in northern Iraq from mounting further cross-border attacks into Turkey.

White House spokesman Tony Fratto also said, ''We do not want to see wider military action on the northern border.'' A Kurdish rebel attack that killed 12 Turkish soldiers yesterday has added to concerns that Turkey may launch a military offensive in northern Iraq.

REUTERS SG RAI2039