Two rebels were killed in the ensuing clash in southeastern Turkey.

Anatolia news agency says three other soldiers were wounded in the ambush early Sunday on a military post in Bingol province.

It says the dead and wounded soldiers were taken to a state-hospital in nearby Elazig province. Anatolia cited hospital officials.

Local officials could not immediately be reached to confirm the number of rebels killed.

Rebels of the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK, are fighting for self-rule in parts of Turkey's east and southeast. The PKK is considered a terrorist group by Turkey as well as the United States and the European Union.