The daily said 15 rebels, involved in blocking roads in Sendihli district of Hakkari, were killed.

Quoting Cihan news agency, the daily added that a Turkish officer and two special sergeants have been heavily injured during the clashes.

Chopper crash a technical failure

Meanwhile Turkey chief of General staff Gen Necdet Ozel on Tuesday ruled out reports that PKK played a role in the crash of a military helicopter on July 22 which led to the deaths of five Turkey soldiers and said the crash has been a “technical failure.”

Releasing a statement on Sunday, People’s Defense forces (HPG) said the Turkey helicopter has been shot down by its forces.

HPG is considered as an umbrella organization of PKK.