12 Kurdish rebels killed in Turkey

Turkey's state television says Turkish troops have killed 12 Kurdish rebels in fighting in southeast Turkey.

The fighting came despite talks between government officials and the rebels' imprisoned leader, Abdullah Ocalan, aimed at ending the 28-year old conflict that has killed tens of thousands of people.

TRT television said a group of rebels attempted to attack a military post near the border with Iraq early on Tuesday, sparking clashes that left at least 12 of the rebel fighters dead. There was no mention of casualties among the troops.

The government said talks with Ocalan, who is jailed on an island off Istanbul, were aimed at convincing rebels to disarm.

Officials said the military would press ahead with anti-rebel operations even as the talks continue.