Gen. Yasar Buyukanit, chief of the General Staff, told Turkey's Hurriyet that the operations against the separatist group Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) would continue on an as-needed basis once commando units that had marched on rebel positions in the snowy mountains were withdrawn.

"We gave them a lesson and we have more lessons to give," the general said.

The New Anatolian said fighting would likely not resume until spring when the weather in the region had improved.