Ankara: Twelve soldiers of the Turkish Armed Forces have died after being exposed to methane gas during a rescue mission in northern Iraq, Turkey’s Ministry of Defence confirmed on Monday.
The incident occurred on Sunday, July 6, during Operation Claw-Lock, in a cave located at 852 Altitude Hill — an area previously used by the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). The search operation was launched to recover the remains of a soldier who had been killed earlier during a military engagement with PKK militants.
Initially, several soldiers were affected by the toxic gas, and despite efforts to save them, the death toll rose to 12 after four more succumbed. A total of 19 soldiers were rushed to hospital for treatment after being exposed to the gas.
The Ministry stated, “Four more of our heroic comrades-in-arms who were affected by methane gas were martyred in a search and screening operation… and the number of martyred personnel increased to 12.”
Following the tragedy, Defence Minister Yaşar Guler, accompanied by top military officials, travelled to the region to inspect the site and participate in the farewell ceremonies for the fallen soldiers.
The cave, situated at an altitude of 852 metres (2,795 feet), had reportedly been used in the past by the PKK as a medical facility. Although it had been cleared earlier by Turkish forces, the presence of methane gas posed a deadly risk during the rescue mission.
The incident comes weeks after the PKK announced it would dissolve its armed wing and end its decades-long insurgency. The group declared the decision during its 12th Party Congress held in May, following a call from its imprisoned leader Abdullah Ocalan in February to disband and pursue a new direction.
Despite the announcement, tensions and military operations continue in the region. The PKK, designated a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union, has been involved in a violent struggle against the Turkish state for over 30 years.
Turkey regularly conducts cross-border military campaigns in northern Iraq targeting PKK bases and hideouts.
