The pledge was made by US Secretary of State Colin Powell during a telephone conversation, Gul told reporters.

"He (Powell) said they would send new US forces to Kirkuk in a few hours. They will take out those who have entered," the minister said.

"Powell said they would not allow a de-facto fait accompli," Gul added.

Ankara offered military help in case there were not enough US soldiers in the area, but the offer was rejected by Washington, Gul said.

"We said we could act together if they did not have sufficient forces. They told us new troops would be sent to the region in a few hours," he added.

US and Kurdish forces entered the strategic oil centre on Thursday after a popular uprising, according to representatives of the two sides in Kirkuk.

Turkey has threatened to intervene militarily in northern Iraq if local Kurds are allowed to seize the oil-rich cities of Mosul and Kirkuk, a move that could encourage them to declare independence.

The United States has repeatedly told Turkey to stay out of the area, fearing a clash between the Turkish military and Kurdish forces.

SPACE.WIRE