By Fatih Hafiz Mehmet

BITLIS, Turkey 

Five soldiers were martyred in an avalanche in eastern Bitlis province on Sunday, said provincial governor's office. 

In a statement, the office said 14 soldiers were also wounded in the avalanche that happened in Hizan district of Bitlis.

The avalanche hit the soldiers while they were conducting an operation against PKK terrorist group in the area, the statement said, adding that the wounded soldiers were rushed to the hospital.

Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) staffers were conducting search and rescue operation in the area, it added.