BAKU, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- Three climbers are reported to be missing in the mountains in northeast Azerbaijan, according to the Ministry of Emergency Situations on Wednesday.

The three Azerbaijani climbers from the "Gilavar" Air & Extreme Sports Club departed on Saturday from Azerbajan's highest mountain village Khinalig located in the Quba region. They reportedly went in the direction of mount Tufandag in the region nearby.

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Emergency Situations received a report that contact with the three mountaineers was lost and proceeded to launch a search & rescue operation with the assistance of a helicopter.