Twelve Turkish soldiers have died after inhaling methane gas during a mission in northern Iraq, according to the Turkish Ministry of National Defence. The incident occurred while searching for remains of a soldier killed by PKK fighters in 2022, with a total of nineteen soldiers exposed to gas. The cave's gas accumulation, though not toxic, poses suffocation risks in confined spaces. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Defence Minister Yasar Guler expressed sorrow and provided condolences, with inspections scheduled in the area following the tragedy.
Twelve Turkish soldiers have died after inhaling methane gas during a mission in northern Iraq, the Turkish Ministry of National Defence says. Four other comrades affected by methane gas have died, bringing the total number of victims to 12, the ministry said.
The incident took place on Sunday as troops searched for the remains of a soldier killed by PKK fighters in 2022. Nineteen soldiers were exposed to the gas inside a site once used by armed fighters as a hospital.
Though methane is not considered toxic, it can become deadly in confined spaces due to suffocation risks. The ministry has not clarified how the gas accumulated inside the cave.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his great sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the families of the fallen. Defence Minister Yasar Guler traveled to the area to oversee inspections and attend ceremonies for the deceased.
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