Updated

A European human rights body has criticized Turkey for imposing dayslong curfews in towns in southeast Turkey as its security forces battle Kurdish militants, calling on the country to uphold human rights even as it battles the rebels.

A soldier and six civilians were killed during the latest, 12-day curfew that was imposed in the town of Silvan and ended on Nov. 14, human rights organizations said. The government says only two victims were civilians.

Nils Muiznieks, human rights commissioner for the Council of Europe, said Wednesday Turkey's "frequent and widespread" use of curfews were disproportionate and unnecessary. He called on Turkey to compensate victims and ensure that allegations of human rights violations by security forces are investigated.

Renewed fighting with the rebels has killed hundreds since July.