Twelve Turkish soldiers died after inhaling methane gas while searching a cave in northern Iraq for a soldier killed by Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) fighters three years ago, the Turkish Ministry of National Defense said Monday.
According to the ministry, a total of 19 soldiers were exposed to the gas. Five died Sunday, and seven more died Monday, bringing the total to 12. Seven others are undergoing treatment at the Gülhane Training and Research Hospital.
“This incident, which has plunged us into deep and painful sorrow, will be thoroughly investigated through the administrative inquiry we have initiated, down to the smallest detail,” National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler said.
“On this occasion, I once again pray for mercy from Allah for our sacred martyrs, and I extend my condolences and patience to their grieving families, the Turkish Armed Forces, and our noble nation,” Güler added.
The ministry posted a video on social media of a ceremony honoring six fallen soldiers before they were transported to their hometowns.
Millî Savunma Bakanı Yaşar Güler’in beraberinde TSK Komuta Kademesi ile katıldığı Yüksekova Selahaddin Eyyübi Havalimanındaki törende, Pençe-Kilit Harekâtı bölgesinde şehit düşen altı kahraman silah arkadaşımızın naaşları defnedilmek üzere memleketlerine uğurlandı.… pic.twitter.com/rGXYcrdhP7
— T.C. Millî Savunma Bakanlığı (@tcsavunma) July 7, 2025
The PKK, listed as a terrorist group by Turkey, the U.S., and the EU, has fought a four-decade insurgency. In May, the group announced plans to disband and disarm as part of peace efforts with Ankara.
The cave deaths coincided with a visit by a delegation from the pro-Kurdish DEM Party to PKK founder Abdullah Öcalan in prison, amid ongoing peace negotiations between Turkey and the PKK.
