The reported suicide of Amir Enes Büyükyolcu, a Kurdish soldier in the Turkish Army, has triggered allegations of a cover-up and renewed concerns about suspicious deaths within the military. Journalist Barış Boyraz, reporting for ANF, has highlighted the family’s claim that Büyükyolcu was actually killed during a mission and that his death has been falsely presented as suicide.
According to Boyraz, Amir Enes Büyükyolcu contacted his father Osman three days before his death, saying, “If something happens to me, they will say it was suicide. Don’t believe it.” He also mentioned a forthcoming secret mission to Tel Aviv, allegedly in coordination with Turkey’s National Intelligence Agency (MİT). The family believes Büyükyolcu’s Kurdish identity may have influenced his assignment to a hazardous operation.
Military officials initially claimed Büyükyolcu had died by suicide using his own weapon. However, inconsistencies in the details as to how he accessed the firearm and the manner of his death have fuelled suspicions.
The case has revived discussions about systemic issues in the Turkish Army. There have been frequent reports of Kurdish soldiers dying under suspicious circumstances over the past decade. Data from Turkey’s independent Human Rights Association (İHD) shows that between 2000 and 2009, 401 soldiers were reported to have committed suicide. Further reports reveal that between 2013 and 2018, 500 soldiers died in unclear circumstances.
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Critics argue that such deaths may involve soldiers unwilling to engage in combat against Kurdish forces, raising questions about coercion and discrimination within the ranks. The military’s lack of transparency and refusal to release detailed investigations have deepened public mistrust.
Calls for accountability continue as families and human rights organisations demand justice. Boyraz’s coverage has reignited debate over the need both for independent inquiries into the deaths of soldiers and for systemic reforms in military oversight.
