Helicopters take part in an international military exercise codenamed "Winter 2019" in Kars, Turkey, Feb. 21, 2019. Turkey is holding large-scale international military exercises in extreme weather conditions in its Eastern Kars Province. Representatives of 15 countries are taking part in the drills which are expected to end on Friday. (Xinhua/Mustafa Kaya)

Turkey is holding large-scale international military exercises in extreme weather conditions in its Eastern Kars Province, bordering Armenia, local press reported on Thursday.

Representatives of 15 countries are taking part in the drills codenamed "Winter 2019," which are expected to end on Friday, according to a report by public broadcaster TRT.

The aim of the exercises is to test and improve tactical and strategic abilities in harsh winter conditions and enhance coordination between participants, it said, adding that temperatures dropped to minus 25 Celsius in the exercises area.

Some 250 personnel from 15 allied countries, including Qatar, Pakistan and Bangladesh, are attending the drills. According to the Turkish Defense Ministry, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also watched the exercises through video conference in Ankara.