ANKARA, Turkey (AP) – Turkish troops killed seven Kurdish rebels in a clash in the southeast, the military announced on Saturday. Two soldiers were also killed.

The clash occurred near the southeastern town of Sirnak on Friday, the military said. One soldier was wounded, the military added.

Clashes between the troops and the guerillas traditionally heat up in spring when snow blocking mountain paths melts, enabling Kurdish rebels to infiltrate into Turkey from northern Iraq where the rebel command is based.

Kurdish rebels have been fighting for autonomy in southeastern Turkey since 1984. Tens of thousands of people have died in the conflict since then.