Tehran, Aug 24 (Xinhua) Twenty-six militants were killed in fighting with the security forces in northwestern Iran, Fars News agency reported Sunday.

The anti-insurgency operation was carried out near the border with Turkey by the Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) in which 26 militants were killed, said Brigadier General Mohammad Pakpour.

The Party of Free Life of Kurdistan (PJAK), a rebel group linked to Turkey's outlawed Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) has been fighting with the Iranian security forces to secure more autonomy for Kurds in the country.