5 soldiers killed, 12 injured in Turkey avalanche

Five soldiers were killed and 12 others were injured in an avalanche near the town of Hizan in southeastern Turkey's mountainous Bitlis Province on Sunday, according to local governor's office.

The avalanche fell on the team of soldiers during a military operation in the region, and the 12 injured were not in serious condition.

Southeastern Turkey is scene to decades of fighting between the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and Turkish security forces.

The PKK is considered a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and European Union.

(REUTERS)