The security forces launched an operation in the province of Bitlis to hunt down the perpetrators, who belonged to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), the report said.

The PKK, listed as a terrorist organisation by Turkey and much of the international community, notably stepped up violence this year.

The group has waged a bloody armed campaign for self-rule in Turkey's predominantly Kurdish east and southeast since 1984. The conflict has claimed more than 37,000 lives.