The conflict between members of a special operation team and Kurdish rebels was continuing Wednesday on the outskirts of Mount Cudi in Sirnak province, near the Syrian border, they added.

In recent times, special police forces have been much involved in the fight against the rebel Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), whereas in the past soldiers were detailed to this mission.

The PKK, listed as a terrorist organisation by Turkey and much of the international community, took up arms in Kurdish-majority southeastern Turkey in 1984, sparking a conflict that has claimed some 45,000 lives.