Eight Turkish soldiers have died after inhaling methane gas while searching a cave in northern Iraq, according to Türkiye’s defence ministry.
According to the ministry, the incident took place at a 852-metre-high hill in the Pençe-Kilit Operation area, where the soldiers were continuing efforts to locate the remains of Infantry Lieutenant Nuri Melih Bozkurt. He was killed during a firefight with terrorists in the same area on 28 May 2022.
Despite securing the region, the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) had been unable to retrieve Bozkurt's body. Specially trained teams were conducting renewed searches when 19 personnel were exposed to high concentrations of methane gas inside a cave once used as a field hospital by the PKK. Five of the affected soldiers died despite all medical interventions. The remaining personnel are being treated in hospital.
The ministry said fully equipped TSK and AFAD teams are continuing coordinated rescue operations in the area.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed his condolences. “I received the news of the martyrdom of our heroic soldiers with deep sorrow. I offer my condolences to their families, the Turkish Armed Forces, and our nation. I also wish a speedy recovery to those still under treatment.”
The fallen soldiers have been identified, and condolences were extended to the families of Private Contracted Soldiers Özkan Özkanlı, Ahmet Kuşak, and Lieutenant Ege Akar. Emotional scenes unfolded as news reached their homes in Aksaray, Balıkesir and İzmir.
Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş and Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz also issued condolence messages.
In a statement, Communications Director Fahrettin Altun said, “This painful incident deeply saddened our nation. Citizens are advised to rely only on official sources and avoid misinformation.”
Azerbaijan's Defence Minister Zakir Hasanov also conveyed his condolences to his Turkish counterpart Yaşar Güler, affirming support for Türkiye in its fight against terrorism.
A suspect in the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a university in Utah has been apprehended, U.S. President Donald Trump confir...
As OPEC marks its 65th anniversary, the organisation reflects on its role in shaping global energy, promoting stability, and ensuring oil remains vita...
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has sharply criticized the European trio of France, Germany and the UK for referring their nuclear dispute wi...
India's retail inflation (INCPIY=ECI) rose to 2.07% in August as food prices edged up, although it remained within the central bank's tolerance range ...
Late designer Giorgio Armani has instructed heirs to gradually sell the fashion brand he created 50 years ago or seek a stock market listing, his will...
A suspect in the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a university in Utah has been apprehended, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed on Friday, bringing an end to an intense manhunt following what Trump described as a "heinous assassination."
As OPEC marks its 65th anniversary, the organisation reflects on its role in shaping global energy, promoting stability, and ensuring oil remains vital for economic growth and energy security worldwide.
India's retail inflation (INCPIY=ECI) rose to 2.07% in August as food prices edged up, although it remained within the central bank's tolerance range for the tenth consecutive month.
The European Union is set to propose a 19th package of sanctions targeting Russia’s oil industry and shadow tanker fleet, while also extending its current measures on individuals tied to the ongoing war in Ukraine for another six months.
AnewZ has learned that India has once again blocked Azerbaijan’s application for full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, while Pakistan’s recent decision to consider diplomatic relations with Armenia has been coordinated with Baku as part of Azerbaijan’s peace agenda.
A day of mourning has been declared in Portugal to pay respect to victims who lost their lives in the Lisbon Funicular crash which happened on Wednesday evening.
The UK is gearing up for Exercise Pegasus 2025, its largest pandemic readiness test since COVID-19. Running from September to November, this full-scale simulation will challenge the country's response to a fast-moving respiratory outbreak.
A Polish Air Force pilot was killed on Thursday when an F-16 fighter jet crashed during a training flight ahead of the 2025 Radom International Air Show.
A suspect in the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a university in Utah has been apprehended, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed on Friday, bringing an end to an intense manhunt following what Trump described as a "heinous assassination."
As OPEC marks its 65th anniversary, the organisation reflects on its role in shaping global energy, promoting stability, and ensuring oil remains vital for economic growth and energy security worldwide.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has sharply criticized the European trio of France, Germany and the UK for referring their nuclear dispute with Tehran to the UN Security Council.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced that it has temporarily suspended activities at its returnee encashment centres across Afghanistan, after de facto authorities ordered Afghan female staff not to work.
The European Union is set to propose a 19th package of sanctions targeting Russia’s oil industry and shadow tanker fleet, while also extending its current measures on individuals tied to the ongoing war in Ukraine for another six months.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment