Turkish Military in Iraq & Syria

An internally displaced Kurdish family in northern Iraq, 2016 (Maranie R. Staab)

Belligerent
Turkish Military
Country
Iraq
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident date

July 25, 2015

Incident Code

TI001

LOCATION

العمادية, Amadiyah, Duhok, Iraq

Three civilians were reportedly injured in alleged Turkish airstrikes on Amadiyah, Iraq. Iraqhurr reported intensive bombing on PKK positions in the area and said that it “led to the wounding of three civilians.” Sputnik News also reported Turkish airstrikes in the area but did not mention civilian harm. No additional details are presently known regarding

Summary

First published
July 25, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

August 1, 2015

Incident Code

TI002

LOCATION

زرجيلي, Zergele, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq

Multiple Turkish airstrikes reportedly killed eight or more residents and injured at least eight others – including a child – in an attack on the village of Zergele in the Kandil Mountains. Alusmaria reported: “Turkish planes today bombed the village of Zergele north of the border, killing eight civilians, wounding ten others and destroying seven

Summary

First published
August 1, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8 – 10
(1 child2 women5–7 men)
Civilians reported injured
8–11
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
14 named, 2 families identified
View Incident

Incident date

September 11, 2015

Incident Code

TI003

LOCATION

قنديل, اقشين, الزاب, Qandil, Avashin and Zap, Nineveh, Iraq

Turkish air forces bombed positions of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in northern Iraq, the army said in a statement. Airstrikes hit mountainous areas in northern Iraq, including Qandil, Avashin and Zap. Turkish authorities said their strikes hit locations of the PKK rebels. However, Kurdish sources in northern Iraq reported via a single source that

Summary

First published
September 11, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 3
Civilians reported injured
2–3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

February 4, 2016

Incident Code

TI004

LOCATION

قرية الفاضلية, Fadhiliya, Nineveh, Iraq

Three civilians were reportedly killed in alleged Turkish airstrikes on Fadhiliya. According to the Iraqi National News Agency, “the bombardment of Fadhiliya village at the foot of Mount Bachik, resulted in the deaths of three civilians and the wounding of two others.” There is currently no other known source available.

Summary

First published
February 4, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

July 17, 2016

Incident Code

TI005

LOCATION

الفاضلية, Fadhiliya, Nineveh, Iraq

A local MP complained that a number of civilians had been killed and injured in fresh Turkish shelling of Fadhiliya village. Salim Juma told NRN News that artillery strikes from a nearby Turkish base at Bashiqa “killed and injured a number of civilians, including women and children.” The MP called on the regional Kurdish government

Summary

First published
July 17, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
View Incident

Incident date

October 3, 2016

Incident Code

TI006

LOCATION

فايده, Fadhiliya, Nineveh, Iraq

Local and governmental sources said Turkish artillery had targeted Al Fadhiliyah village in Bashiqa, north of Mosul, resulting in the deaths of two civilian brothers and four injuries. The Coalition later made clear it did not view Turkish actions in Iraq as being a part of the international alliance’s effort to defeat ISIL. According to

Summary

First published
October 3, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 29, 2017

Incident Code

TI007

LOCATION

قنديل, افشين, الزاب, Zakho district, Duhok, Iraq

Local Kurdish media said that four civilians were injured by alleged Turkish artillery shelling in Zakho at the Iraqi-Turkish border. Asda News reported that “the shelling led to the injury of four civilians, who were taken to the hospital for treatment, noting that the health of the four injured people is stable.” Rudaw added that

Summary

First published
July 29, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident date

September 4, 2017

Incident Code

TI008

LOCATION

نهيل , Nahil area of Al-Amadiya, Duhok, Iraq

A single source, Iraqi Spring Media, reported an alleged bombing by “the Turkish air force” of the Nahil area of the Al-Amadiyah district, north of Dohuk – though the source said that there was no information on civilian harm. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
September 4, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident date

September 20, 2017

Incident Code

TI010

LOCATION

دهوك, Dohuk, Duhok, Iraq

The Kurdistan Regional Government said that seven civilians were killed by Turkish airstrikes on Dohuk village. Skyiraq reported: “The air strikes launched by the Turkish warplanes targeted areas in the province of Dohuk and killed seven civilians.” The government said in a statement that while the citizens were going to do their work on their

Summary

First published
September 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident date

September 20, 2017

Incident Code

TI009

LOCATION

شمال العراق, North of Iraq, Erbil, Iraq

Local media reported that the Turkish air force had bombed sites belonging to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party in north Iraq – though there was no information available on civilian harm as a result of these actions. RT reported that “the Turkish army said on Thursday that the shelling hit targets in the mountainous regions of

Summary

First published
September 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 13, 2017

Incident Code

TI011

LOCATION

سيدكان, Barmiza village, Sidkan, Erbil, Iraq

One civilian was killed in alleged Turkish airstrikes on Barmiza village, Sidkan area, on November 13th, 2017, according to local sources. A local Kurdish outlet, Yaqein Agency, reported the day of the incident that one civilian was killed by alleged Turkish airstrikes on Sidkan, north of Erbil. In January 2019, Christian Peacemaker Teams Iraqi Kurdistan

Summary

First published
November 13, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 22, 2018

Incident Code

TI012

LOCATION

Villages in Choman district, Erbil, Iraq

Four civilians died and 10 more were injured in alleged Turkish airstrikes on villages in the Choman area of Iraqi Kurdistan, local sources reported. According to IC Afrin Resistance, the “Turkish army’s attacks and #TurkishWarCrimes are spreading: Yesterday night at 1:05 am Turkish air-forces bombarded villages in the district Qesre of Erbil (South #Kurdistan /

Summary

First published
March 22, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
10
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
Named victims
4 named
Belligerents reported killed
2
View Incident

Incident date

March 25, 2018

Incident Code

TI014

LOCATION

شيلاديزي, Shiladeza, Duhok, Iraq

According to local sources, one civilian was killed and one or two more were injured in an alleged Turkish airstrike on the Shiladeza area, north of Duhok province in Iraqi Kurdistan. One local source told Roj News Agency that the raids began in the afternoon, striking the village of Hillah, “in the area between Rikani

Summary

First published
March 25, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 6, 2018

Incident Code

TI015

LOCATION

سدكان , Sedkan, Erbil, Iraq

Two civilians were injured in an alleged Turkish artillery strike on Sedkan, according to local sources. Basnews reported that “on Friday [April 6th], Turkish artillery continued to bombard the area of ​​Bradust and its villages in Siddakan (northeast of Erbil), injuring two civilians and displacing about 120 others from their villages. According to information received

Summary

First published
April 6, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
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 belligerent
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident date

August 15, 2018

Incident Code

TI017

LOCATION

سنجار , Sinjar, Nineveh, Iraq

A former leader (Zaki Shankali) of the PKK in Sinjar reportedly died along with four Yazidi people in alleged Turkish airstrikes on their convoy in Sinjar at 5 p.m on August 15th, according to sources on the ground. The combat status of the Yazidi people is in question, however, as one source referred to them

Summary

First published
August 15, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 5
Civilians reported injured
2–4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 3, 2018

Incident Code

TI018

LOCATION

دهوك, Duhok, Iraq

Several sources reported that an alleged Turkish airstrike killed a civilian near the province of Duhok. A “security source” quoted in reports from Almaalhomah, Iraqhbar and Alahdnews, mentions that “the bombing killed a farmer near the place of the fall of a missile.” He reportedly added that “the body was transferred to the Department of

Summary

First published
November 3, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 14, 2018

Incident Code

TI019

LOCATION

عمادية, Amadiyah, Duhok, Iraq

At least three civilian men were killed in alleged Turkish airstrikes targeting the Kurdish district of Amadiyah, Dohuk. No sources mentioned the number of wounded. Several sources identified three victims by name. Ramadan Rikani, a local official of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) added that the victims were “sons of one village, two of them

Summary

First published
November 14, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 13, 2018

Incident Code

TI020

LOCATION

مخمور, Makhmour refugee camp, Erbil, Iraq

Four women were killed in alleged Turkish airstrikes on the Rustam Jodi refugee camp in Makhmour, south of Erbil on December 13th 2018, according to local media reports. Rustom Joudi, the governor of Rastam Jodi camp, said that the Turkish shelling, which took place at 21:00 on Thursday, killed four women, three of them from

Summary

First published
December 13, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(4 women)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident date

January 22, 2019

Incident Code

TI021

LOCATION

رشاوة , Rashawa, Duhok, Iraq

Four men were killed in alleged Turkish airstrikes on the area of Deraluk, Dohuk province, on January 22nd or 23rd, 2020, according to local sources. Two men remain missing: it is unknown if they were also killed or arrested or kidnapped. It is unclear if the men were civilians or Peshmerga. A local “security source”

Summary

First published
January 22, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 4
(4 men)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
Named victims
4 named
Belligerents reported killed
0–4
View Incident

Incident date

May 15, 2019

Incident Code

TI021a

LOCATION

برزان, Mount Butin, Erbil, Iraq

A 50-year-old male civilian died in an alleged Turkish airstrike on Barzan, according to multiple local sources. ANF reported: “Turkish fighter jets carried out a bombardment on Mount Bote located in Barzan region in the countryside of Hewler (Erbil) Governorate. “A 50-year-old civilian by the name of Kazım Eli was killed in the attack. The

Summary

First published
May 15, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 5, 2019

Incident Code

TI022

LOCATION

سدكان, Sedkan, Erbil, Iraq

Three Peshmergas, potentially civilian combatants at the time, were injured by an alleged Turkish airstrike on Sedkan. Rudaw said: “Three militants from the Peshmerga were wounded, one of them in a serious condition, as a result of Turkish shelling on Wednesday around the town of “Sedkan” of the city of Erbil in the Kurdistan Region.

Summary

First published
June 5, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
0–3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
Named victims
3 named
Belligerents reported injured
0–3
View Incident

Incident date

June 5, 2019

Incident Code

TI022a

LOCATION

Xakurkê, Erbil, Iraq

Four civilians were reportedly injured in Turkish airstrike on Xakurkê in the Qandil mountains. ANF reported: “The villagers, who rushed out to extinguish the fire at 6 am this morning were targeted by Turkish warplanes. Four villagers were wounded in the attack, one of them seriously. Two of the villagers were named locally as Jabir

Summary

First published
June 5, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
4
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 12, 2019

Incident Code

TI022b

LOCATION

Kany Motel, Duhok, Iraq

The Christian Peacemaker Teams in Iraqi Kurdistan reported that two workers of a plant shop were injured in Turkish airstrikes on the town of Amadiya on June 12th, 2019. CPTIK reported: “On June 12, 2019, The Turkish Military dropped a bomb within Amadiya, just a few blocks from The Kany Motel and Tahini Factory. The

Summary

First published
June 12, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
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 belligerent
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident date

June 26, 2019

Incident Code

TI023

LOCATION

زين خليل, Zain Khalil, Duhok, Iraq

One civilian was killed and as many as three others wounded in an alleged Turkish airstrike in the Bradost region of Iraqi Kurdistan on June 26th, 2019 according to local media reports. 25-year-old Mansour Nafie lost his life in the attack, while his brother Bashiu Nafie was injured according to Rudaw. ANF reported that as

Summary

First published
June 26, 2019
Last updated
June 24, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
1–3
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Named victims
2 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

June 27, 2019

Incident Code

TI024

LOCATION

سنكاسار, Sangasar, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq

Three or four civilians of the same family were reportedly killed by an alleged Turkish airstrike on a civilian car on Berker near Sangasar on June 27th, 2019, according to local sources. According to ANF, “Three civilians, including children and women, lost their lives and 5 civilians were injured in the attack. Among those who

Summary

First published
June 27, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(1 child1 woman1 man)
Civilians reported injured
5
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

July 10, 2019

Incident Code

TI024a IRI002

LOCATION

ديري, Dere, Erbil, Iraq

One to two civilians, including an 18-year-old girl, were killed and up to four others injured in alleged Turkish or Iranian artillery strikes in the Bradost region of Iraqi Kurdistan on July 10th, 2019 according to local media reports. Al-Monitor reported that Iranian artillery shelled the Sidakan border area in Erbil province on July 10th

Summary

First published
July 10, 2019
Last updated
June 6, 2023
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
2–4
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
Iranian Military, Turkish Military
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
Geolocation
Village
View Incident

Incident date

July 18, 2019

Incident Code

TI025

LOCATION

سبيتدار, Spindar, Duhok, Iraq

Between three and five civilians were reported injured when Turkish airstrikes struck the village of Spindar in the evening of July 18th. Bas News reported that Turkish warplanes shelled several positions in the village Spindar with rockets, while “chasing a car for the militants of the Kurdistan Workers, where the gunmen hid in the village”.

Summary

First published
July 18, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
3–5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
Belligerents reported injured
3
View Incident

Incident date

July 19, 2019

Incident Code

TI026

LOCATION

مخيم الشهيد روستم جودي, Martyr Rustam Jodi Camp, Nineveh, Iraq

Alleged Turkish forces shelled Martyr Rustam Joudi refugee camp in Makhmour and wounded two people around 3.15 am on July 19th, according to local sources. Dwarozh News reported that Laila Arzou, the Joint Chief of Martyr Rostam Jodi camp, called on the United Nations and the federal government to protect civilians from Turkish shelling. No other

Summary

First published
July 19, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
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 belligerent
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident date

August 19, 2019

Incident Code

TI026a

LOCATION

بملة, Bole, Erbil, Iraq

Three or four civilians were wounded in an alleged Turkish airstrike on Bole village, according to sources. ANF reported: “Two houses were greatly damaged by the bombardments in Bole village and four civilians were wounded. One of these, named Ehmed Ebdullah, is reported to be in a critical condition.” Kurdistan 24 said three civilians were

Summary

First published
August 19, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
3–4
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 29, 2019

Incident Code

TI027

LOCATION

شران , Sherane, Duhok, Iraq

One civilian was reportedly injured in a Turkish airstrike on Sherane. ANF said: “Turkish fighter jets shelled the village of Sherane in Duhok’s Amadiya district in South Kurdistan today noon. The bombardment has reportedly left a civilian wounded.” RojNews wrote: “On Thursday, Turkish warplanes bombed an area belonging to the Amedi (Amadiyah) district of Dohuk

Summary

First published
August 29, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
View Incident