As many as 18 PKK separatists were killed in clashes with Turkish security forces in the southeastern Turkish district of Yuksekova overnight Friday, NTV reported.

Fighting is still ongoing despite a curfew that was declared in the town.

A statement released by Hakkari Governor's office late on Wednesday said a curfew had been declared in Yuksekova to ensure security in the wake of increased terrorist attacks in the district. The statement said the curfew would be in place starting 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Yuksekova is one of several Kurdish-majority districts in southeastern Turkey to declare "self-governance" in opposition to the central Justice and Development Party (AKP) ruled government.

Source: MENA