Helicopters take part in an international military exercise codenamed "Winter 2019" in Kars, Turkey, on Feb. 21, 2019. (Xinhua/Qin Yanyang)

ANKARA, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Turkey is holding a large-scale international military exercise in extreme weather conditions in its Eastern Kars Province bordering Armenia, local press reported Thursday.

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

Soldiers take part in an international military exercise codenamed "Winter 2019" in Kars, Turkey, on Feb. 21, 2019. (Xinhua/Qin Yanyang)

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

Soldiers take part in an international military exercise codenamed "Winter 2019" in Kars, Turkey, on Feb. 21, 2019. (Xinhua/Qin Yanyang)

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 exercise through a video conference in the capital Ankara.