12 Turkish soldiers die from methane poisoning in Iraq: What to know

ANKARA — At least 12 Turkish soldiers died from methane gas poisoning in northern Iraq, the Turkish Defense Ministry said Monday.

What happened: The soldiers were exposed to the toxic gas while searching a cave. Nineteen were taken to a hospital for treatment on Sunday. Five died the same day, while seven others succumbed on Monday, according to separate statements from the ministry.

The ministry identified the cave’s location as in an area where Turkey has been conducting cross-border…