Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

TS460

Incident date

November 28, 2020

Location

عين عيسى, Ain Issa, Raqqa, Syria

Airwars assessment

Two civilians were reported killed and up to four others including a woman and her two children were injured as a result of alleged Turkish shelling or airstrikes on Ain Issa in Raqqa, Syria on November 28th, 2020. The injured civilians were moved to hospital in Raqqa for treatment.

Enab Baladi said that ” the correspondent of Enab Baladi in Raqqa, citing a medical source in the town on condition of anonymity, stated that two people were killed and two others were injured, one of them in critical condition, as a result of shelling that targeted Ain Issa, as reconnaissance aircraft flew over the area.”

Saradorsin and other local sources claimed that the civilian areas were directly targeted with the shelling. However, Rudaw said that Turkish ‘airstrikes’ targeted various areas, including Ain Issa’s IDP camp and the M4 highway. ANF said Muelek village in Ain Issa was also targeted and NPA mentioned that Sayda village was among areas targeted.

According to local sources, the bombing also led to destruction in civilians’ houses and agricultural crops. A displacement movement also started as a result of the continuous shelling on Ain Issa.

The incident occured in the evening.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–4
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Armed Forces
  • Suspected target
    YPG/SDF

Sources (26) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (21) [ collapse]

  • Aftermath of alleged Turkish shelling on residential areas in Ain Issa, Raqqa on Nov 28th, 2020. (via SOHR)
  • Aftermath of alleged Turkish shelling on residential areas in Ain Issa, Raqqa on Nov 28th, 2020. (via SOHR)
  • Aftermath of alleged Turkish shelling on residential areas in Ain Issa, Raqqa on Nov 28th, 2020. (via SOHR)
  • Aftermath of alleged Turkish shelling on residential areas in Ain Issa, Raqqa on Nov 28th, 2020. (via SOHR)
  • Aftermath of alleged Turkish shelling on residential areas in Ain Issa, Raqqa on Nov 28th, 2020. (via SOHR)
  • Aftermath of alleged Turkish shelling on residential areas in Ain Issa, Raqqa on Nov 28th, 2020. (via SOHR)
  • Aftermath of alleged Turkish shelling on residential areas in Ain Issa, Raqqa on Nov 28th, 2020. (via SOHR)
  • Aftermath of alleged Turkish shelling on residential areas in Ain Issa, Raqqa on Nov 28th, 2020. (via SOHR)
  • Aftermath of alleged Turkish shelling on residential areas in Ain Issa, Raqqa on Nov 28th, 2020. (via SOHR)
  • Videos showing the brutal bombardment of the Turkish occupation on civilian homes in the center of Ain Issa district
  • Two children were injured as a result of the Turkish occupation targeting their home in Ain Issa The Turkish occupation army and its mercenaries targeted civilian homes in Ain Issa district with heavy weapons, and the bombing resulted in the injury of two children.
  • The Turkish occupation army and its mercenaries targeted civilian homes in the Ain-Issa district with heavy weapons, and the bombing resulted in the injury of two children.
  • Damage to civilian properties, and trees as a result of alleged Turkish shelling on Ain Issa, Raqqa, Syria on Nov 28th, 2020. (via @HisoEla).
  • Damage to civilian properties, and trees as a result of alleged Turkish shelling on Ain Issa, Raqqa, Syria on Nov 28th, 2020. (via @HisoEla).
  • Damage to civilian properties, and trees as a result of alleged Turkish shelling on Ain Issa, Raqqa, Syria on Nov 28th, 2020. (via @HisoEla).
  • According to @me_delal, civilians are fleeing Ain Issa as a result of renewed Turkish shelling.
  • According to @me_delal, civilians are fleeing Ain Issa as a result of renewed Turkish shelling.
  • According to @me_delal, civilians are fleeing Ain Issa as a result of renewed Turkish shelling.
  • Circulated photos show effects of destruction caused by Turkish bombing on Ain Issa countryside. (via NPA)

Turkish Armed Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Turkish Armed Forces
  • Turkish Armed Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–4
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Armed Forces
  • Suspected target
    YPG/SDF

Sources (26) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS458

Incident date

November 22, 2020

Location

عين عيسى, Ain Issa, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

36.387671, 38.863106 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Geolocation accuracy

Town

Airwars assessment

Up to three civilians including a three-year-old child were reported injured as a result of alleged Turkish forces shelling or drone attack on Ain Issa town on November, 22nd, 2020.

The injured civilians were named as Mehmud Zêd Zêdan aged 3, Mihêdin Hacî aged 35 and Minhel Ehmed El Ebîd aged 22.

According to Hawar, the bombing also hit Ain Issa camp, the international road “M4”, and the village of Muallaq in the northwestern countryside of the sub-district. Local sources reported that the bombing took place near the headquarters of the Russian forces in the area.

Basnews said that a drone targeted an QSD checkpoint which led to killing two members of QSD and the injury of two civilians.

 

The incident occured in the afternoon.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    None known
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Armed Forces
  • Suspected target
    YPG/SDF
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2

Sources (17) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (12) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • Caption translation: Casualties among civilians as a result of Turkish army shelling on Ain Issa town and its countryside.
  • Caption translation: Mother of child Mahmoud: What did my son do to be targeted by the Turkish occupation? The mother of the child who was injured yesterday, in Ain Issa district, called on the international community and human rights organizations to intervene to stop Turkey and its mercenaries from bombing innocent civilians and children, and said, "What did my son do to be targeted by the Turkish occupation."
  • A civilian injured as a result of Turkish shelling on Ain Issa on November 22nd, 2020. (@NotWoofers).
  • Up to three civilians were injured as a result of Turkish shelling on Ain Issa on November 22nd, 2020. (@NotWoofers).
  • A civilian injured as a result of Turkish shelling on Ain Issa on November 22nd, 2020. (@NotWoofers).
  • Up to three civilians were injured as a result of Turkish shelling on Ain Issa on November 22nd, 2020. (@RojavaNetwork)
  • Up to three civilians were injured as a result of Turkish shelling on Ain Issa on November 22nd, 2020. (@RojavaNetwork)
  • Up to three civilians were injured as a result of Turkish shelling on Ain Issa on November 22nd, 2020. (NPA)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Ain Issa (عين عيسى) and its surroundings, for which the generic coordinates are; 36.387671, 38.863106. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Turkish Armed Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Turkish Armed Forces
  • Turkish Armed Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    None known
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Armed Forces
  • Suspected target
    YPG/SDF
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2

Sources (17) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS457

Incident date

November 18, 2020

Location

المالكية‎, Al Malikiyah, Hassakah, Syria

Geolocation

37.176214, 42.140146 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Geolocation accuracy

City

Airwars assessment

Two civilians were reported injured in Al-Malikya, Hasakah in Syria allegedly when Turkish forces opened fire on civilians working in their field on November 18th.

ANHA named the two civilians as Haytham Ali from Mazra Khawari, and Shafan Bouti from Mazra Bani village. The latter was wounded in the leg, which led to cutting nerves and breaking his leg bone as a result of a sniper shot, and consequently he had an operation.

ANF and ANHA said that such incidents are regular where Turkish forces attack peasants and farmers.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Armed Forces
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Al Malikiyah (المالكية‎) and its surroundings, for which the generic coordinates are; 37.176214, 42.140146. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Turkish Armed Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Turkish Armed Forces
  • Turkish Armed Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Armed Forces
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS456

Incident date

November 17, 2020

Location

عين عيسى, Ain Issa, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

36.387671, 38.863106 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Geolocation accuracy

Town

Airwars assessment

Three civilians were reported injured in an alleged Turkish forces or pro-Turkey forces artillery shelling and/or drone attack on Ain Issa in Raqqa, Syria on November 17th, 2020.

Ahmed Jassim, Mahmoud Ali and Hamza Ibrahim arrived at the Ain Issa town hospital with injuries ranging from light to moderate as a result of shrapnel.

Eyeonhasaka said the Turkish shelling targeted sites of QSD in Ain Issa and its surrounding, the town’s camp, the M4 international highway, and the villages of Ain Dagna and Baylounia.

Sources said that the shelling also caused damage to civilians’ properties and agriculture crops.

The Syrian Observatory and Almowatana News said no casualties were reported, but other local sources published images of the injured civilians so we graded this civilian harm incident as fair.

The incident occured in the evening.

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Armed Forces
  • Suspected target
    YPG/SDF

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • A civilian injured in alleged Turkish forces or pro-Turkey militants shelling on Ain Issa on Nov 17th, 2020. (via @NPA_Arabic).
  • A civilian injured in alleged Turkish forces or pro-Turkey militants shelling on Ain Issa on Nov 17th, 2020. (via @NPA_Arabic).
  • A civilian injured in alleged Turkish forces or pro-Turkey militants shelling on Ain Issa on Nov 17th, 2020. (via @NPA_Arabic).
  • Turkish forces or pro-Turkey militants shelling on Ain Issa on Nov 17th, 2020. (via @NPA_Arabic).

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Ain Issa (عين عيسى) and its surroundings, for which the generic coordinates are; 36.387671, 38.863106. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Turkish Armed Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Turkish Armed Forces
  • Turkish Armed Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Armed Forces
  • Suspected target
    YPG/SDF

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TI051

Incident date

November 8, 2020

Location

خلف أو قاسم ملكو, Khalaf or Qassim Malako, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.48777, 41.55608 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Geolocation accuracy

Neighbourhood/area

Airwars assessment

At least one civilian was killed in alleged Turkish drone strikes on an alleged PKK vehicle near the town of Khalaf or Qassim Malako, Sinjar district, Nineveh governorate, on November 8th, 2020. Up to five militants were reportedly also killed and at least three others were wounded.

Hawar News reported that “The “Nasr Mobin” forces in Shengal said that the airstrike that targeted Shengal last night resulted in the loss of a civilian who was working in maintaining water wells, in addition to wounding a fighter”, blaming Turkey for the strike.

In another report, Hawar wrote that “the Turkish occupation drones launched a raid this evening at 18:30 in the village of Khalaf in the town of Bari in the district of Shengal, targeting a vehicle belonging to the Nasr Mobin forces and confirmed that it resulted in injuries among those in the car.” Roj News reported that the strike took place at 16:30 PM, while RT quoted sources who said the strike occurred at 20:30 PM.

“A vehicle of the PKK fighters was targeted by a Turkish warplane in Bara area of Sinjar this evening, Peshmerga Commander Qasim Shasho told BasNews that “a number of PKK fighters were either killed or wounded in the airstrike”. At least three of the wounded were taken to a hospital. Shasho reportedly told Shafaq News that he believed a PKK leader was among those killed.

Shafaq reported that “members of the Labor Party had evacuated the bodies that had been charred as a result of the bombing.” RT reported two killed PKK members.

According to Mangish, “a Turkish plane targeted a car carrying a group of the Sinjar Protection Units in the north, which led to the death of five people in it”, adding that one person was transferred to a nearby hospital before dying of his injuries.

Besides Hawar News, other sources did not report civilian harm. Hence, the civilian harm status for this incident is graded as “weak”.

The incident occured between 4:30 pm and 8:30 pm local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Armed Forces
  • Suspected target
    Other
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2–5
  • Belligerents reported injured
    3

Sources (20) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (12) [ collapse]

  • People looking at the vehicle that was targeted by alleged Turkish drones near Sinjar on November 8th, 2020 (via Hawar News).
  • Location of alleged Turkish drone strike in Sinjar on November 8th, 2020 (via @serkankilic9931).
  • Footage of alleged Turkish drone strikes on Sinjar on November 8th, 2020 (via @BarzanSadiq).
  • Location of alleged Turkish drone strike in Sinjar on November 8th, 2020 (via @Warrior4War).
  • The targeted vehicle after alleged Turkish drone strike in Sinjar on November 8th, 2020 (via @EzidenWeltweit).
  • People looking at the vehicle that was targeted by alleged Turkish drones near Sinjar on November 8th, 2020 (via @Ezidi2).
  • Translation: “Turkish warplanes bomb the village of Bare #Şengalê bombed” (via @sterknucenews).

Geolocation notes

Report of the incident mention a vehicle being struck in either Khalaf (خلف) or Qassim Malako village (قاسم ملكو), in vicinity of the towns of Bari (بارة), Khana Sor (خانة سور), and Sinuni (سنوني). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. However, a potential area called Khalaf Qasim (خلف قاسم) can be found north of these towns, for which the generic coordinates are: 36.48777, 41.55608.

Turkish Armed Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Turkish Armed Forces
  • Turkish Armed Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Armed Forces
  • Suspected target
    Other
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2–5
  • Belligerents reported injured
    3

Sources (20) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS455

Incident date

November 7, 2020

Location

العليا, Al Alia, Hassakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.596235, 40.107608 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Geolocation accuracy

Nearby landmark

Airwars assessment

A woman was reportedly killed by Turkish soldiers stationed in a military point near Al Alia, Hasaka governorate, on November 7th, 2020, according to Step News Agency.

Step News Agency reported that on “Saturday morning, a woman was killed by the Turkish army stationed in a point located in the vicinity of Al Alia silos north of Hasaka.”

According to the Step correspondent, “a woman in her forties went to her relatives in the areas controlled by the “Qasd militia” in order to help her visit her family in the city of Ras Al Ain, north of Hasaka.”

The woman’s relatives reportedly drove her to the M4 road north of Hasaka in a Pickab Hilux vehicle. The woman was then dropped off on the M4 road near the High Silos. The Turkish forces monitored the vehicle through thermal cameras.

A source told Step News Agency that “the woman went to the Turkish point in the vicinity of Al Alia silos, north of Hasaka, where she stopped to drink water and the Turkish army immediately shot her and wounded her in the neck, which led to her killing.”

Currently, further information is unavailable to Airwars.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Armed Forces
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the vicinity of the Al Alia (العالية) grain silos, for which the generic coordinates are: 36.596235, 40.107608. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Turkish Armed Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Turkish Armed Forces
  • Turkish Armed Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 woman)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Armed Forces
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS454

Incident date

October 29, 2020

Location

Îska, Iska, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.353154, 36.806731 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Geolocation accuracy

Village

Airwars assessment

At least 13 civilians were reportedly injured in an attack by alleged Turkish mercenaries on the village of Iska, Aleppo governorate, on October 29th, 2020, according to Hawar News.

Hawar News wrote that “the village of Iska which in Janders district in Afrin canton was subjected to a raid campaign and attempts to kidnap and steal property by the mercenaries, and when the residents’ attempted to defend themselves and their property, the mercenaries fired randomly at the people in the village, which resulted in the injury of 13 civilians at least. The citizen Ali Jemmo and the citizen Muhammad Othman have been known of them.”

Currently, further information is unavailable to Airwars.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    13
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Armed Forces
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Iska (Îska), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.353154, 36.806731. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Turkish Armed Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Turkish Armed Forces
  • Turkish Armed Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    13
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Armed Forces
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS450

Incident date

October 13, 2020

Location

غرب منبج, West of Manbij, Aleppo, Syria

Airwars assessment

Civilians were reportedly injured in alleged Turkish artillery strikes on the villages of Umm Jalloud, Tal Sayada, Umm Adasat Al Farat, and Al Dundaniyya in Aleppo governorate on October 13th, 2020, according to Hawar News.

Hawar reported that: “The villages located on the front line west of Manbij city, including “Umm Jalloud, Tal Sayada, Umm Lens, and Al-Dundaniyya” are being bombed by the Turkish occupation army and its mercenaries with heavy weapons and artillery, while the Manbij Military Council responds to the sources of bombing within the framework of the legitimate right to defence.”

The source added: “Clashes are still continuing until the moment this news is prepared, amid reports that civilians have been injured in the targeted villages.”

Currently, further information is unavailable to Airwars.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Armed Forces
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention multiple strikes in the surrounding areas west of Manbij (منبج) city. These are the villages of Umm Jalloud (أم جلود), Umm Adasat Al Farat (أم عدسة الفارات, mistranslated as Umm Lens), Sayada (صيادة), and Al Dundaniyya (الدنينية). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for a middle point between these locations are: 36.587966, 37.767906.

  • Reports of the incident mention multiple strikes in the surrounding areas west of Manbij (منبج) city. These are the villages of Umm Jalloud (أم جلود), Umm Adasat Al Farat (أم عدسة الفارات, mistranslated as Umm Lens), Sayada (صيادة), and Al Dundaniyya (الدنينية).

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

Turkish Armed Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Turkish Armed Forces
  • Turkish Armed Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Armed Forces
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (1) [ collapse]