How were 12 soldiers martyred in the Pençe-Kilit Operation zone? Claims of a 'trap set for the soldiers'

A notable statement has come from an expert regarding the 12 soldiers who were martyred in the Operation Claw-Lock region. An expert mining engineer stated that the Ministry of National Defense's explanation of "exposure to methane gas" was insufficient, saying, "This case cannot be explained by 'methane exposure'." The expert pointed out that the possibility of a "combustible environment trap" in the incident should be investigated.

"If there is no personal oxygen mask and gas detector, it is a major deficiency"

The expert, who works as a mining engineer at the Turkish Coal Enterprises, spoke to Saygı Öztürk from Sözcü and said the following:

"The most likely cause of the martyrdom of our 12 soldiers is the presence of other toxic gas sources. These gases can emerge in Northern Iraq and in the asphaltite (a high-calorie mineral used for heating, similar to petroleum-derived coal) production areas in our country's Şırnak and Silopi regions, as well as in enclosed spaces and caves that have contact with these fields, in the form of petroleum-derived toxic ethylene and sulfurous gases. There are gas detection studies conducted by Middle East Technical University (METU), in which I also participated. These gases can accumulate in the caves in question. If ventilation is blocked or if there is a possibility of inadequate ventilation, and if gas detectors or personal oxygen masks are not used, poisoning occurs. Furthermore, they may have been exposed to carbon monoxide through a combustible environment trap. If there is no personal oxygen mask and gas detector, it is a major deficiency."

"The Ministry's 'methane gas exposure' explanation is incorrect"

The expert explained what a "combustible environment trap" is as follows:

Terrorists may burn their belongings and some stocks in the caves or leave them to rot when they leave. This combustion produces carbon monoxide or can release hydrogen sulfide. When there is little airflow, carbon monoxide remains for a while because there is no complete combustion, and it is poisonous. But after a while, this turns into carbon dioxide, and since oxygen decreases, it becomes suffocating when staying there for a long time.

We can describe the materials and stocks abandoned in these caves, and the carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide and sulfur-derived gases caused by these stocks, as a 'combustible environment trap'. Gases that leak from the formation environment where the cave is located or gases emitted from petroleum-derived minerals can cause poisoning.

"How can the most basic precaution not be taken in such a high-risk environment!"

Even if you throw dust or hold a piece of paper in a cave, the airflow becomes apparent. If there is no airflow, either a mask or a detector is essential. How can the most basic precaution not be taken in such a high-risk environment, or if it wasn't provided, how could this training not have been given? If it was given, this mistake should not have been made.

The Ministry's 'methane gas exposure' explanation is incorrect. An excess of methane creates a suffocating environment due to a lack of oxygen. However, methane is lighter than air and accumulates in the upper parts of the cave and leaves the environment with the slightest current. As a miner who knows that region, I can clearly state that there is no mine or cave environment with methane gas in that region. This case cannot be explained by 'methane exposure'. To ensure no question marks remain, the matter must be investigated in detail and the public must be informed."