Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler: We have launched an administrative investigation

The Ministry of National Defense (MSB) announced that the number of soldiers who were martyred due to methane gas exposure in the Operation Claw-Lock region has increased to 12.

He attended the farewell ceremony held for the martyrs in Yüksekova with the Minister of National Defence Yaşar Güler.

In his speech here, Güler said that yesterday, a search and screening operation was carried out in a cave by commandos to reach the beloved body of Infantry First Lieutenant Nuri Melih Bozkurt, who was martyred on May 28, 2022 in the Operation Claw-Lock region.

Noting that the commandos were affected by methane and carbon monoxide gas during the operation, Güler said, "While our comrades who were affected by the gas and were removed from the cave were immediately transferred to the hospital, a comprehensive work has been initiated in coordination with AFAD and Turkish Coal Enterprises evacuation teams for our comrades who remained in the cave."

Guler continued as follows:

"Unfortunately, 12 of our heroic comrades-in-arms were martyred as a result of this tragic incident. The great courage and sacrifice shown in the sublime mission of reaching the body of our previously martyred comrade-in-arms constituted one of the unparalleled examples of comrade-in-arms in the Turkish army that went down in history. Our pain is great and our feelings are indescribable. Although our hearts are torn, we know that our beloved martyrs will always have a place in the most exceptional corner of our glorious history as the symbol of our nation's freedom and independence. We will always keep the precious memories of our martyrs alive with gratitude and always remember their sacrifices with gratitude.

This incident, which has deeply and painfully saddened us, will be examined in detail with the administrative investigation we have initiated. On this occasion, I once again wish God's mercy upon our dear martyrs, and offer my condolences and patience to their grieving families, the Turkish Armed Forces and our noble nation. May the souls of our martyrs rest in peace and may their resting places be heaven. The Turkish Armed Forces will continue their activities with the same determination and resolve."

Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler attended the farewell ceremony held for our martyrs in Yüksekova, where he went with the TSK Command Level. Minister Yaşar Güler made a statement to the press members after the ceremony where 6 of our heroic comrades-in-arms were sent off on their final journey… pic.twitter.com/m4zmcvu2bw

— Republic of Turkey Ministry of National Defense (@tcsavunma) July 7, 2025

Source: AA