06.07.2025 17:40
The Ministry of National Defense announced that during the search operations for the remains of Infantry Lieutenant Nuri Melih Bozkurt, who was martyred in the Pençe-Kilit Operation area in 2022, 19 of our soldiers were exposed to methane gas in a cave, and 5 of our soldiers were martyred.
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The Ministry of National Defense (MSB) announced that during the search and clearance activities in the Pençe-Kilit Operation on May 28, 2022, 19 soldiers were exposed to methane gas in a cave while searching for the body of Infantry Lieutenant Nuri Melih Bozkurt, who was martyred as a result of fire opened by terrorists. Of our soldiers who were transferred to the hospital, 5 became martyrs despite all interventions.
5 OF OUR SOLDIERS BECAME MARTYRS
In a statement made by the MSB, the following was stated: "During the cave search and clearance activity carried out on May 28, 2022, within the scope of the Pençe-Kilit Operation, Infantry Lieutenant Nuri Melih Bozkurt was martyred due to the fire opened by terrorists, and it was not possible to reach his body due to the intense fire. The area has been brought under control, the terrorists have been neutralized, but despite all searches, we have not yet been able to reach the body of our martyr.
In the search efforts, all areas where the body may be found are being meticulously scanned by specially organized teams. As part of the ongoing search activities; on July 6, 2025, during a search operation in a cave on a hill at an altitude of 852 meters, which is known to have been previously used as a hospital and has been cleared of terrorists, 19 of our personnel were exposed to methane gas and were immediately transferred to the hospital; despite all interventions, five of our heroic personnel became martyrs.
Rescue operations in the region continue with the coordinated efforts of fully equipped AFAD and TSK teams.
CONDOLENCES MESSAGE FROM MSB
In this tragic event that has plunged us into deep sorrow and grief, we wish God's mercy upon our dear martyrs who lost their lives, and we extend our condolences and patience to their grieving families, the Turkish Armed Forces, and our noble nation; we wish a speedy recovery to the affected personnel."
STATEMENT FROM COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR FAHRETTIN ALTUN
Communications Director Fahrettin Altun, in a statement made on his official X account after the sad news, said: "The search efforts, which have been carried out with great attention and determination for a long time to reach the body of our martyred heroic officer, Infantry Lieutenant Nuri Melih Bozkurt, who was martyred during the cave search and clearance activity conducted on May 28, 2022, continue with all the resources of our state mobilized.
In this context, during the search operation conducted on July 6, 2025, in a cave on the hill at an altitude of 852 meters, which has been identified as previously used as a hospital and has been cleared of terrorist elements, 19 of our heroic soldiers were exposed to a significant accumulation of methane gas.
"IT OCCURRED DUE TO METHANE GAS NATURALLY FORMED IN THE CAVE"
Our soldiers were immediately transferred to health centers; however, unfortunately, 5 of our soldiers could not be saved despite all interventions and became martyrs. Initial findings indicate that the incident occurred due to methane gas that formed naturally within the cave.
This tragic event has created deep sorrow in the hearts of our nation.
DISINFORMATION WARNING
During this process, we kindly request our citizens to only trust statements made by official authorities and to be cautious against disinformation.
CONDOLENCES MESSAGE FROM ALTUN
I wish God's mercy upon our dear martyrs, patience to their grieving families, and condolences to the Turkish Armed Forces and our noble nation. I also wish a speedy recovery to the injured personnel. May our nation's head be held high.
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