ISTANBUL, May 28 (KUNA) -- State-run television said Kurdish rebels have killed a soldier in a clash in southeast Turkey, prompting the military to launch a large-scale offensive in the area.
TRT television said the soldier was killed in fighting in Sirnak province, which borders Iraq, on Sunday.
The rebel group, the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, meanwhile, claimed responsibility for a car bomb attack in central Turkey, two days ago, that killed a policeman and wounded 17 people.
The PKK is fighting for autonomy in southeast Turkey. Tens of thousands have died since it took up arms in 1984. (end) ta.gta KUNA 281021 May 12NNNN