Turkish forces kill 3 Kurdish rebels -officials

DIYARBAKIR, Turkey, Oct 24 (Reuters) Turkish forces killed three members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) late yesterday, security officials said, as clashes continue despite a unilateral ceasefire launched this month.

Two sergeants were also wounded in the latest clashes since October 1, when the PKK's unilateral ceasefire -- 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 southeast, and the rebels opened fire when troops called on them to surrender, the officials said today.

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 ceasefire but will defend itself if attacked.

The rebels launched a campaign for an independent homeland in 1984 and since then Ankara says more than 30,000 people have been killed. A previous ceasefire was called off in 2004.

REUTERS BDP BS1701