12 Turkish Soldiers Die in Methane Gas Poisoning During Iraq Cave Search

Twelve Turkish Soldiers Killed by Methane Gas in Northern Iraq Cave

At least twelve Turkish soldiers have died from methane gas poisoning during a search operation in a cave in northern Iraq. The soldiers were part of a mission to recover the remains of a comrade killed by Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) fighters in 2022.

Details of the Incident

Nineteen soldiers were exposed to the colorless, odorless gas while searching the cave system in Duhok province near the Turkish-Iraqi border. Five soldiers died yesterday, with seven more fatalities today. The condition of the remaining seven soldiers remains unknown.

Operation Claw-Lock Context

The cave system at 852 meters altitude was previously used by the PKK as a temporary field hospital during Turkey's Operation Claw-Lock in 2022. This military campaign targeted PKK strongholds in mountainous regions of northern Iraq. Turkish recovery teams have spent three years searching the area for remains of the soldier killed during that operation.

PKK's Recent Dissolution

The PKK, designated a terrorist organization by Turkey, the EU, and the US, recently announced its dissolution following a call from imprisoned leader Abdullah Öcalan. On May 12, 2025, the group declared it would lay down arms, with disarmament expected to begin in coming days.

Official Reactions

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed "great sorrow" over the deaths. Defense Minister Yaşar Güler traveled to the region to attend memorial ceremonies for the fallen soldiers.