Türkiye’s Defense Ministry announced the deaths of five soldiers on Sunday following exposure to toxic methane gas during a military search operation in northern Iraq.

The incident occurred while personnel were conducting a cave search as part of ongoing efforts to recover the remains of Second Lieutenant Nuri Melih Bozkurt, who was killed in action during the Claw-Lock Operation on May 28, 2022.

The search operation took place at an elevation of 852 meters in a cave previously used as a hospital by the PKK before being cleared by Turkish forces. According to the ministry, a total of 19 personnel were exposed to the gas. All affected individuals were immediately evacuated to nearby medical facilities for emergency treatment.

"Despite all medical interventions, five of our heroic personnel became martyrs," the Defense Ministry stated, expressing deep sorrow over the loss.

Rescue and recovery efforts remain ongoing in the area. The Turkish Armed Forces and Türkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) are working in close coordination, deploying fully equipped teams to ensure the safety of remaining personnel and continue the search for Lieutenant Bozkurt’s remains.

The ministry extended condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and emphasized its continued dedication to the operation and the recovery mission in northern Iraq. (ILKHA)