From the picture, I would surmise that the soldiers are in close formation going uphill on a frozen path with 'winter smocks' not only for some camo use but also to retain body heat. Since a flash was used to take the picture and the closeness of the soldiers I would surmise also that they are on the Turkish side of the border headed for their Mission quite a distance away from the action. Note that no weapons are out and visible, so as they approach a danger zone, the winter smocks would either be discarded or reconfigured for battle and their weapons would be hand carried. Most arctic (winter) camo does have some colour to break up the outline and the 'smocks' may or may not be part of that. They are carrying pretty heavy backpacks and I reckon they have at least a few days of ammo and supplies to last till re-supply. When they go into action the heavy part of the backpacks would be shed and a fighting configuration used.
-Terry
According to today's newspapers:
1-They carry 35 kg of blankets, water, beverages, conserved food, chocalate, instant soups, halva, ammo, signal rockets, communication devices, mines, spare clothes, pickaxe and shovel, hand heaters, arctic sleeping bags, cooking device, 2 hand granades, rocket launcher (one per team), steel vest, night vision device, two machine guns (either G-3 and/or sniper rifles), tent, camouphlage paints, and specially designed arctic uniforms.
2-As of yesterday, operation area was -30 centigrade. (As Terry told above). But in a few days temperature is expected to rise almost 15 centigrade degrees (sounds like perfect meteorological timing!). When winter is over ther will be no place to hide for PKK.
3-They use special VMM-3 mine dedectors which are capable of working in low temperatures.
4-50 Cobra and Sikorsky and 60+ F-16's for combat and bombardment, and F-4's for reconnaissance missions are also working in the operation area
5-Unmanned Israeli-made "Heron" spy aircrafts are also operational in the area.
6-They use old but modernized M-60 A-1's instead of Panzers available. Maybe a good choice b/o lack of an organized army in the other side. Those M-60 's have fortified armours, two machine guns with automatic targeting systems, thermal cameras, and 450 km range. Highest speed: 60 km's.
7- Also 25 km range 120 mm Howitzers.
