Twelve Turkish soldiers died from methane gas inhalation during a cave search operation in northern Iraq. The soldiers were searching for the remains of a comrade missing since 2022. Nineteen soldiers were initially exposed to the gas in a former fighter hospital site. Four more soldiers succumbed to their injuries, bringing the death toll to twelve. Turkish President Erdogan expressed sorrow, and Defence Minister Guler visited the area. The incident occurred during Operation Claw-Lock targeting the PKK.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.