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Methane gas kills 12 Turkish soldiers in Iraq operation, a tragic incident that has cast a shadow over Turkey’s ongoing military campaign against Kurdish militants in northern Iraq. The soldiers were conducting a search-and-clear mission in a mountainous cave system in the Claw-Lock Operation region when they were exposed to lethal concentrations of methane gas, according to the Turkish Ministry of National Defence.
The operation, which took place on Sunday, was aimed at recovering the remains of a Turkish infantry officer killed by gunfire during a 2022 mission targeting the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). The cave, located at an altitude of 852 meters and previously used by the PKK as a field hospital, had been under surveillance for years.
Initial reports indicated that eight soldiers had died, but the death toll rose to 12 by Monday after four more succumbed to the effects of the gas. Nineteen personnel were exposed in total, with several others hospitalized in critical condition. Methane, a colorless and odorless gas, can cause asphyxiation in confined spaces, making it especially dangerous in underground environments like caves.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed deep sorrow over the loss, offering condolences to the families of the fallen and the Turkish Armed Forces. “We mourn the loss of our heroic martyrs who gave their lives in the line of duty,” he said in a statement. Defence Minister Yaşar Güler and senior military officials traveled to the region to oversee investigations and attend funeral ceremonies.
The Claw-Lock Operation, launched in April 2022, is part of Turkey’s broader campaign to eliminate PKK strongholds in northern Iraq. The PKK, designated a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union, has waged a four-decade insurgency that has claimed over 40,000 lives. The conflict frequently spills across borders into Iraq and Syria, where the PKK maintains a network of bases and supply routes.
The Turkish military has established a series of forward operating bases in the region, often targeting caves and tunnels used by militants for shelter, logistics, and medical treatment. The cave involved in Sunday’s incident had been cleared of PKK fighters but remained structurally hazardous. The presence of methane gas, possibly from decomposing organic material or residual explosives, had not been detected prior to the mission.
This incident has reignited concerns over the safety protocols in place for Turkish troops operating in hostile and unpredictable terrain. Military analysts have called for enhanced detection equipment and stricter environmental assessments before entering confined spaces.
The tragedy also comes at a delicate time in Turkey-PKK relations. In May, the PKK announced a unilateral decision to disband its armed units and pursue a political resolution to the conflict. Talks are reportedly underway to formalize a peace process, with international observers cautiously optimistic. However, Sunday’s deaths could complicate those efforts, fueling public anger and hardening political positions.
As the nation mourns, the Turkish flag flies at half-mast across military installations. Funeral processions for the fallen soldiers are being held in their hometowns, with thousands turning out to pay their respects. The Ministry of Defence has pledged full support to the families and vowed to continue operations until the region is fully secured.
The loss of 12 soldiers in a single incident marks one of the deadliest non-combat tragedies for Turkey’s military in recent years. It serves as a grim reminder of the hidden dangers that persist even after the guns fall silent.