The mine was set off by remote control as soldiers were checking a vehicle delivering food supplies to their station in the village of Kocakoc, in Tunceli province in eastern Turkey, a statement from the local governor's office said.

It said the mine had been planted by rebels from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

Six people, including the driver of the food delivery vehicle, were detained in connection with the incident.

PKK rebels are active in Tunceli and have often targeted military outposts in the region.

In June, seven soldiers and a militant were killed when a group of PKK rebels attacked an outpost in Tunceli with hand grenades and firearms.

In a separate incident Tuesday, another soldier was killed in clashes between the army and the PKK in the southeastern province of Sirnak, security sources said.

The PKK, considered a terrorist organisation by Ankara and much of the international community, has notably stepped up violence this year.

The group has been fighting for self-rule in Turkey's mainly Kurdish east and southeast since 1984. The conflict has claimed more than 37,000 lives.