13 Soldiers, of which one was a non-commissioned officer, and the other 12 were privates, died in an attack at the Gabar mountain in the south-eastern province of Sirnak on Sunday (7 October).

They were attacked with bombs and long-barrelled guns. After the attack, the security forces started a wide-ranging operation in the area, with aircraft support.

General Staff: Determination strengthened 

The General Staff website today says:

"One of our units on duty in Sirnak was attacked by a terrorist organisation on 7 October 2007 and thirteen amry members became 'martyrs'. The members of the terrorist organisation are being followed by units in the country, and their escape points out of the country are being monitored with firing arms. The event, which occured during our struggle against terrorism, has strengthened our determination to fight."

President Gül's reaction

President Abdullah Gül said in  a statement at the Presidential Press Centre, "Those who create, feed and support terror must know that no power can stand up against the determination to protect the Turkish Republic's integrity of country and people."

He added, "The Turkish Republic will continue its justified fight against terrorism with the support of our nation and the determination of our heroic security forces, however difficult the conditions."

Prime Minister Erdogan: "Fight against terrorism will continue very differently"

Speaking at the Istanbul airport, from where he was flying to Ankara, Erdogan said: "Our sadness is great. The process of fighting against terrorism will continue in a very different way." He said that the cabinet's High Commission for the Fight against Terrorism would meet tomorrow to discuss the topic.

Bahceli: Government has encouraged separatism

Devlet Bahceli, chair of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) said that it was legitimate for Turkish soldiers to follow PKK militants across the border in "hot pursuit" without asking for prior permission. He also criticised the present government for encouraging separatism.

Baykal: Condemned Terrorism

Deniz Baykal, chair of the Republican People's Party (CHP), published a statement on the CHP website, on which he damned terrorism and expressed his condolences to family members.

Toptan: Terrorists will be punished

Parliamentary Speaker Köksal Toptan also reiterated the government's faith in the army and a promise of retribution. (NZ/AG)