The attacks by Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) rebels on Turkish troops occurred in several locations in Cukurca and Yuksekova in Hakkari province near the Iraqi border, during the night from Tuesday to Wednesday, it said.

Television reports said the army had initiated an air-supported operation against the rebels in response and the head of the general staff and some commanders had gone to the region.

Clashes between the PKK and the army have escalated since summer.