Turkish soldier killed during border crossing incident in Hakkari

A Turkish soldier has been killed during a border incident in the Yüksekova district of Hakkari province, Turkey, on October 31, 2026. The soldier, identified as Infantry Contracted Private Yusuf Sait Ünlü, was fatally wounded while responding to the border crossing event.

According to a statement from the Turkish Ministry of National Defense, the incident occurred when gunfire was opened during the intervention. Private Ünlü was initially wounded and subsequently evacuated by helicopter to Hakkari State Hospital. Despite all medical efforts at the hospital, he could not be saved and was pronounced a martyr.

The Ministry expressed deep sorrow over the loss, extending condolences to the soldier's grieving family, the Turkish Armed Forces, and the Turkish nation. The statement also included a prayer for God's mercy on the fallen soldier.