Ankara: The death toll of Turkish soldiers affected by methane poisoning in a cave in northern Iraq has increased to eight, as per a new statement from the Turkish Ministry of Defense on Monday. The incident occurred in a cave historically utilized by members of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Turkish Ministry of Defense initially reported on Sunday that five soldiers had died out of a total of 19 who suffered from methane poisoning. The soldiers were in the cave conducting a search operation for a fellow soldier who had previously been killed in the area.

The Ministry’s statement highlighted the challenges faced by the soldiers during their mission in the cave, which was known to have been a strategic location used by PKK members. The incident underscores the ongoing risks and dangers associated with military operations in the region.