"Based on the results of exploration and target analysis work held between August 23-24, Turkish air force jets efficiently hit targets of the separatist terror organisation in the Zap and Gara regions between August 25-28 in 21 sorties," the military said in a statement.

It said between 145 and 160 rebels were killed in the air attacks, and more than 100 wounded.

Heavy artillery fire was directed at 38 targets "in coordination with the air operation," it said.

Ankara's renewed campaign followed a PKK attack that killed nine security personnel in southeast Turkey.

Since early July, PKK attacks in Turkey have left around 40 soldiers and policemen dead, prompting Ankara to toughen its stance in the conflict.

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