The operation between July 11-14 targeted a group of Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) rebels in the Incebel mountains in the southeastern province of Sirnak who were preparing attacks, the army said on its website.

Warplanes hit the rebel camp, followed by helicopter gunships and artillery fire, the statement said.

Ground troops later destroyed the camp and seized weapons and ammunition, it added.

The rebel casualties included a "high-ranking member", the army said, but gave no further details.

The general staff had put the toll of the operation at eight on Monday.

The PKK, which is listed as a terrorist group by Turkey and several western countries, has been fighting for self-rule in Turkey's Kurdish-populated east and southeast since 1984. The conflict has claimed more than 37,000 lives.

Turkey has stepped up military action against the group since December, carrying out air strikes plus a week-long ground incursion into northern Iraq, where it says more than 2,000 PKK rebels have taken refuge.