Twelve Turkish Soldiers Die from Methane Gas Exposure in Northern Iraq
Twelve Turkish Soldiers Killed by Methane Gas During Operation in Northern Iraq
July 7, 2025 — Northern Iraq
Twelve Turkish soldiers have lost their lives following exposure to methane gas during a military operation in northern Iraq, Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defence confirmed on Monday.
The tragic incident occurred on Sunday during a cave-clearing mission in the Operation Claw-Lock zone, a mountainous area long used by PKK terrorists. The soldiers were conducting an operation aimed at recovering the remains of a comrade killed by the PKK in 2022.
According to the ministry, the cave, situated at an elevation of 852 meters, contained high levels of methane gas. Nineteen personnel were affected during the mission; four died on-site, while others later succumbed to the gas exposure, bringing the death toll to twelve.
Defence Minister Yaşar Güler, accompanied by top military officials, traveled to the region to oversee operations, inspect the area, and attend farewell ceremonies for the fallen soldiers.
“We share the deep sorrow of our heroic martyrs with their families, the Turkish Armed Forces, and our entire nation,” the ministry said in a statement, also offering prayers for the swift recovery of the injured.
Ongoing Anti-Terror Operations
The operation was part of Türkiye’s ongoing Operation Claw-Lock, launched in 2022 to target PKK strongholds in the Metina, Zap, and Avasin-Basyan regions of northern Iraq. The PKK, listed as a terrorist group by Türkiye, the United States, and the European Union, has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state for over 40 years.
The group often uses northern Iraq as a base for planning and executing attacks against Türkiye.
Turkish authorities have emphasized that such operations are carried out in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, which permits self-defense, and under bilateral security agreements between Türkiye and Iraq.
