September 2, 1997 (by Lieven Dewitte) - Turkish security forces said on Monday they had killed 40 Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) rebels in clashes in the rugged southeast of the country. Thirty rebels were killed when security forced backed by air power attacked PKK positions in the province of Siirt, a statement from the emergency rule region governor said.

Security officials had earlier told 31 rebels were killed in the clash on Sunday evening. Security forces used F-16 jets and Cobra helicopters, the officials said.

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