Methane gas tragedy in the Claw-Lock operation zone: 5 soldiers martyred

The Ministry of National Defense has issued a statement regarding an incident that occurred in the Claw-Lock Operation zone.

It was reported that on July 6, 2025, 19 soldiers were exposed to methane gas during search and clearance activities in a cave on the 852-meter-high hill, which had previously been used as a hospital and had been cleared of terrorists.

5 SOLDIERS MARTYRED

The soldiers affected by the gas were quickly rushed to the hospital, but despite all efforts, five soldiers could not be saved and were martyred.

The Ministry stated that following the incident, rescue operations in the area are being carried out in a coordinated manner by AFAD and Turkish Armed Forces teams. Furthermore, it was stated that the body of Infantry First Lieutenant Nuri Melih Bozkurt, who was martyred in previous operations within the scope of the Claw-Lock Operation, has not yet been recovered and that search efforts are continuing meticulously.

The Ministry of National Defense extended its condolences for the soldiers who lost their lives in this tragic incident and wished a speedy recovery to the injured personnel. In this statement, which was respectfully announced to the public, it was emphasized that the Turkish Armed Forces and the nation are in deep sorrow.

MSB SHARED THEIR IDENTITIES

The Ministry of National Defense shared the names of the martyred soldiers.

Among the martyred soldiers are First Lieutenant Ege Akar, Petty Officer Senior Sergeant Abdurrahman Akdoğan, Infantry Contracted Private Özkan Özkanlı, and Infantry Contracted Private Ahmet Kuşak.

The statement made by the MSB included the following:

During the cave search and clearance activity conducted on May 28, 2022, within the scope of the Claw-Lock Operation, Infantry First Lieutenant Nuri Melih Bozkurt was martyred as a result of fire opened by terrorists, and his body could not be reached due to intense fire. The area was brought under control and the terrorists were neutralized, but despite all searches, the body of our martyr has not yet been reached.

In the search efforts, all areas where the body might be found are being meticulously scanned by specially formed teams. Within the scope of the ongoing search activities; during a search and clearance activity conducted on July 6, 2025, in a cave on the 852-meter-high hill located in the Claw-Lock Operation zone, which is known to have been previously used as a hospital and cleared of terrorists, 19 of our personnel were exposed to methane gas and were immediately referred to the hospital; despite all interventions, five of our heroic personnel were martyred.

Rescue activities in the region are continuing with the coordinated efforts of fully equipped AFAD and TSK teams.

We wish God's mercy upon our dear martyrs who lost their lives in this tragic incident that has plunged us into deep pain and sorrow, and we extend our condolences and patience to their grieving families, our Turkish Armed Forces, and our noble nation; we wish a speedy recovery to our affected personnel.

Respectfully announced to the public.

Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler shared a condolence message for First Lieutenant Ege Akar, Petty Officer Senior Sergeant Abdurrahman Akdoğan, Infantry Contracted Private Özkan Özkanlı, Infantry Contracted Private Mahsun Yeşildemir, and Infantry Contracted Private Ahmet Kuşak, who were martyred after being exposed to methane gas during a search and clearance activity in a cave in the Claw-Lock Operation zone. Güler stated, "Our heroic comrades-in-arms were martyred on July 6, 2025. On my own behalf and on behalf of the members of the Ministry of National Defense, I wish God's mercy upon our heroic martyrs; I extend my condolences and patience to their grieving families and our noble nation."

News Source: 12punto