Twelve Turkish soldiers die from methane gas exposure in Iraq
- In a cave search operation in northern Iraq, Turkish soldiers were exposed to methane gas while searching for the remains of a comrade.
- The Turkish Defense Ministry reported that the death toll from gas poisoning has now risen to twelve, with seven soldiers succumbing to the gas on July 6.
- The incident raises concerns about the dangers faced by military personnel in conflict zones and the complexities of ongoing negotiations with the PKK.
In Iraq, a tragic incident occurred involving the Turkish military as they conducted a search operation for remains of a fallen comrade. On July 6, 2025, it was reported that seven additional Turkish soldiers succumbed to methane gas poisoning while working at a cave in northern Iraq, raising the overall death toll to twelve. Initially, five soldiers died on the previous day when 19 of them were exposed to the toxic gas during their mission to recover the body of a fellow infantry officer killed by militants in 2022. This incident takes place against a backdrop of a lengthy conflict between Turkey and the Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK), with Turkey having established military operations in northern Iraq to combat PKK activity. The Turkish Defence Ministry confirmed that the operation, part of a broader campaign known as the Claw-Lock Operation, aimed to neutralize PKK forces, which Turkey and several Western nations classify as a terrorist organization. The cave involved had previously served as a PKK field hospital, and investigations into the gas source were ongoing. Soldiers who fell ill from the gas were also noted, with the condition of seven affected personnel remaining undisclosed. This unfortunate event highlights the dangers faced by military personnel when operating in hostile environments, coupled with the complexities of ongoing insurgency in the region. Additionally, the incident has prompted Turkish officials to express prayer for the souls of the fallen and contribute to the welfare of the surviving soldiers. Such events rekindle discussions around the ongoing peace attempts between the Turkish government and PKK, particularly following the PKK's announcement to disband and cease armed conflict in June 2023 as part of a peace initiative. The situation underscores the continuous risks to military and civilian lives in regions replete with conflict and political tension.