Twelve Turkish soldiers killed by gas exposure during cave search in northern Iraq

ANKARA, Türkiye (MNTV) — Twelve Turkish soldiers lost their lives after being exposed to toxic gas during a search operation in a cave in northern Iraq, Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defense confirmed in a statement issued.

The incident occurred on Sunday as part of a mission to retrieve the remains of a Turkish soldier who was previously killed during ongoing military operations against the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a group designated as a terrorist organization by Ankara.

According to the ministry, the soldiers were conducting a search in a cave located in a mountainous region near the Turkish-Iraqi border when they encountered a buildup of methane gas.

The exposure proved fatal for twelve personnel, while several others were injured and transported to a military hospital for urgent medical treatment.

The Defense Ministry expressed condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and noted that an investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause and circumstances surrounding the gas leak.

Turkish forces have been conducting cross-border operations in northern Iraq for several years as part of efforts to dismantle PKK strongholds in the region.

The terrain, including rugged mountains and complex cave systems, poses significant operational risks for ground troops.

This latest incident highlights the dangers Turkish forces face in their campaign against the PKK, particularly in areas where underground tunnels and caves are often used for concealment by militants.

Further updates on the condition of the injured soldiers and the outcome of the retrieval mission are expected in the coming days.