One woman said the group had been grazing their flocks in the summer pastures close to the borders when the planes struck.

Local people have reportedly said there were no PKK forces in the area at the time of the attack.

The KDP says it believes the mistake was not deliberate, but is pressing for an explanation and compensation from Turkey.

An unnamed KDP source added that Turkish authorities did not consult the party before launching the raids, which coincided with the anniversary of the PKK's founding.

U-turn

Turkey originally denied all knowledge of the incident, but later admitted a raid had taken place.

"It is under investigation whether any harm was inflicted on civilians or not during that operation," he said.

The incident follows reports last year from Iran that an Iranian soldier was killed and several others wounded during a similar anti-rebel raid.

Ankara confirmed that raids had taken place, but refused to pay damages.