11 Turkish soldiers killed in helicopter crash: defense ministry

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — Eleven Turkish soldiers were killed after a military helicopter crashed in the eastern province of Bitlis, the Turkish defense ministry announced late Thursday. A senior officer is believed to be among the casualties. 

A Cougar helicopter, belonging to Turkish Land Forces, took off from Bingol province at 1:55pm and headed to Tatvan district in Bitlis. The forces lost contact with the helicopter 30 minutes later, according to a statement from Turkish defense ministry.

After hours of searching, rescue groups found the crash site and the passengers. Nine were killed in the crash and four were injured, though two later succumbed to their injuries. 

Devlet Bahceli, leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), said in a tweet that one of the dead soldiers is a senior officer.

The cause of the crash is unknown. 

Political leaders and officials across the country have issued statements of condolence.