Turkish forces killed three members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) late on Monday, security officials said, as clashes continue despite a unilateral cease-fire launched this month.
Two sergeants were also wounded in the latest clashes since October 1, when the PKK's unilateral cease-fire -- dismissed by the army and government as a publicity stunt -- came into effect.
Soldiers came across the PKK members in the province of Batman, near the border with Iraq in the mainly Kurdish south-east, and the rebels opened fire when troops called on them to surrender, the officials said on Tuesday.
The PKK, considered a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the United States and the European Union, has said it will not carry out any attacks as part of the cease-fire but will defend itself if attacked.