Pakistan Offers Condolences After Death of Turkish Soldiers in Iraq
Pakistan has expressed sorrow over the death of Turkish soldiers and prayed for them. The Foreign Office also sent condolences to the families and said Pakistan stands with Turkiye in this difficult time.
What Happened
At least 12 Turkish soldiers died after breathing in methane gas during a search mission inside a cave in Iraq. This was confirmed by the Turkish Ministry of Defence.
The operation was launched to find the body of Infantry Lieutenant Nuri Melih Bozkurt, who was killed by Kurdish fighters during a military mission in 2022.
In total, 19 soldiers were exposed to the dangerous gas inside the cave, which is located in the Metina mountains, 852 meters above sea level.
Five soldiers died on Sunday, and seven more died on Monday, even though doctors tried to save them.
About the Cave
The cave was earlier used as a field hospital by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). The area was part of Operation Claw-Lock, a military campaign that started in April 2022 to remove PKK fighters from northern Iraq.
The Turkish army had been searching the area for three years but had not succeeded until now.
Turkish Leaders Respond
Defence Minister Yasar Guler and other senior military officials visited the area to check the situation and attend the funeral of the soldiers.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also shared his sadness and gave support to the families of the soldiers.
This incident happened during peace talks between Turkey and the PKK, which has recently said it plans to stop fighting.
More Details
The source of the methane gas is still not known.
This gas is invisible, has no smell, and is dangerous in small, closed places.
The condition of the seven surviving soldiers is not yet known.
This is one of the worst non-combat accidents for Turkish troops in recent years and shows how risky recovery missions can be.
Mutib Khalid is a skilled content writer and digital marketer with a knack for crafting compelling narratives and optimizing digital strategies. Excel in creating engaging content that drives results and enhances online presence. Passionate about blending creativity with data-driven approaches, Mutib Khalid helps brands connect with their audience and achieve their goals.