The Turkish Ministry of National Defence confirmed that during a search for a fallen comrade in a cave, 12 soldiers succumbed to methane gas exposure. Following this tragic incident, President Erdogan expressed profound condolences, highlighting the dangers of methane in enclosed spaces.
Tragic Methane Exposure Claims Lives of Turkish Soldiers in Iraq
Tragic Methane Exposure Claims Lives of Turkish Soldiers in Iraq
Twelve Turkish soldiers have died after being exposed to lethal levels of methane gas during a military operation in northern Iraq.
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, twelve soldiers from the Turkish military have tragically lost their lives after being exposed to hazardous levels of methane gas during an operation in northern Iraq. This operation was intended to locate the remains of a fellow soldier who was killed in a firefight in May 2022, as confirmed by the Turkish Ministry of National Defence.
On Sunday, a total of 19 personnel were involved in this search and clearing mission when they encountered the dangerous gas. While methane itself is not directly toxic, it poses significant suffocation risks, particularly in confined areas. Unfortunately, by Monday, the situation worsened, leading to 12 unfortunate deaths amongst the soldiers.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his sorrow, extending heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and the Turkish Armed Forces. A farewell ceremony was conducted on Monday at an airport in the southern province of Hakkari, attended by high-ranking officials, including the defence minister. The soldiers' bodies were subsequently transported back to their hometowns for final rites.
This incident occurs within the context of Operation Claw Lock, a Turkish military offensive against militants from the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in Iraq. The PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the EU, UK, and US, has engaged in a decades-long insurgency, arguing for greater Kurdish rights within Turkey. Over the past 40 years, this conflict has led to over 40,000 casualties.
In recent developments, the PKK announced a ceasefire in March, eventually stating their intent to disband after declaring they had fulfilled their historical mission. In what the group heralds as a step towards peace, they have indicated that a faction of fighters will be surrendering arms in Iraqi Kurdistan this week.
