SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- At least three troopers were killed and one injured Friday after an avalanche hit their post near Line of Control (LoC) in Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said.

The avalanche hit the post in Machil sector of frontier Kupwara district, about 165 km northwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

"Today we lost three valiant soldiers and one was injured after an avalanche hit an army post in Machil sector," an army official said. "The injured trooper has been removed to a nearest medical facility."

LoC is a de facto border that divides Kashmir into India and Pakistan controlled parts.

Kashmir has a rugged terrain. Landslides and avalanches are often triggered from its mountains during frequent rains and heavy snowfall.