Greek forces used this as a base for launching attacks deeper into Turkey.
The balloon, relieved of their weight, then flew away into Turkey.
Turkish officials also want to halt any flow of refugees into southern Turkey.
Once he gets into Turkey, he will be more difficult to capture or kill.
In the first 10 months of this year, more than 13,000 people were detained trying to cross into Turkey from Iraq.
In addition, almost 500 were reported to have crossed into southeastern Turkey in the last four days.
The ship was suspected of being involved in smuggling illegal drugs into Turkey.
Exactly how many Iraqis made it across the mountains into Turkey is not clear.
I'd rather go into Turkey now than wait until the market develops.
The road into Turkey seems fine, the road out is huge.