Seven Soldiers Dead Amid Fears of Escalating Violence

Seven soldiers died this morning when an explosive detonated during the passing of a military convoy in the southeastern region of Hakkari, Çukurca.

First reports from the scene say that there are a number of wounded military personnel and the army commenced an operation to catch those responsible.

Blaming the Kurdish rebel group PKK, the Defence Minister İsmet Yılmaz said "They are trying our patience. We'll retaliate fiercely."

This incident is the last in a series that left tens of soldiers and rebels dead in the last months following the elections in June.

During a speech yesterday evening, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reiterated that the government plans to intensify security and military measures against the PKK. Deployment of Special Forces units to the region and a military operation to PKK bases in Northern Iraq are on the agenda.

"All state agencies are preparing for this. Preparations for the deployment of professional units in the region has reached its final phase. All security forces will work together to reach a common goal."

"A new period is beginning," Erdogan declared, addressing the families of soldiers who died in combat. (EKN/EÜ)