Turkey's Defense Ministry confirmed twelve soldiers succumbed to methane gas poisoning during cave searches in northern Iraq. Initially reported as eight deaths, the toll was later revised. Nineteen soldiers were exposed to the lethal gas during the operation linked to the Claw-Lock Operation against the PKK, focusing on a cave used as a hospital. The area has seen ongoing searches for three years, following the death of a Turkish soldier due to PKK gunfire. Turkey's long-standing conflict with the PKK has claimed around 40,000 lives, but negotiations for peace are currently underway.
Turkey's Defense Ministry reported that twelve soldiers died from methane gas poisoning while searching a cave in northern Iraq, initially confirming eight deaths and later updating the toll.
Methane, a colorless and odorless gas, can cause asphyxiation in high concentrations. In total, 19 soldiers were exposed during the operation.
The incident occurred in the region related to the Claw-Lock Operation, aimed at eliminating the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants. Recovery teams searched for a soldier killed by PKK gunfire.
Turkey has engaged in conflict with the PKK for 40 years, resulting in approximately 40,000 deaths, but is now in negotiations to end the hostilities.
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