Turkish forces have said they engaged with Kurdistan Workers' party (PKK) fighters in two provinces near Iraq's border as Abdullah Gul, the country's president, warned the PKK that Turkey's patience was running out. Troops repelled an attack on a military post by up to 40 fighters late on Wednesday in Hakkari province, security officials said. After heavy clashes, the PKK fighters withdrew into northern Iraq and took with them an unknown number of dead and wounded, the officials said. Tanks and artillery were used in the operation and one Turkish soldier was injured.