At least five Turkish soldiers were killed today and 12 were injured in an avalanche that fell on them during a military operation in southeastern Turkey.
An avalanche hit a group of soldiers in Bitlis province, near the city of Hizan, and local officials announced that the 12 injured soldiers were not in danger.
Injured Turkish soldiers were transferred by helicopter to the hospital, reports AP.
Officials said the soldiers were conducting an operation against the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) rebels, which Turkey, the US and the EU consider a terrorist organization.
Fighting between the PKK and the Turkish security forces has been going on for decades in the southeast of Turkey.
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