Turkish Military in Iraq & Syria

Turkish Military in Iraq & Syria

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

Belligerent
Turkish Military
Country
Iraq
Syria
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure
text search
820 Results
sort by:
Sort by:
Incident date
Civilian deaths alleged
Civilian deaths confirmed by belligerent

Incident Code

TS145

Incident date

February 1, 2018

Location

بلبلة, Bulbul, Afrin, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.770899, 36.818318 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In a report shared with Airwars, the Kurdish Red Crescent named one civilian as wounded in Bulbul.

The victim was listed as “Ahmad Mohammed Haji, 32, various sharpnel in his body”.

No further details are currently available.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ahmad Mohammed Haji
Adult male injured

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Bulbul, Afrin (بلبلة), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.770899, 36.818318. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Turkish Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Turkish Military
  • Turkish Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Incident Code

TS240

Incident date

March 3, 2018

Location

ميركان, Mirkan, Afrin, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.5375, 36.713889 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A number of civilians were wounded in an alleged Turkish shelling of Mirkan, Syria, according to sources on the ground.

Hawar News reported: “The Turkish occupation army shelled the center of the area of Mabata and the village of Mircan. It used heavy artillery and missiles, and according to preliminary information, there are wounded civilians.”

IC Afrin said that initial information from local sources indicated that there were “many civilian casualties”.

The Military Council for the city of Manbij and countryside reported that “on the outskirts of Mirkan village, indiscriminate shelling continued with heavy weapons and targeted civilians directly. Many of them were wounded in the shelling”.

Other sources also reported Turkish artillery shelling.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–10
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of alleged Turkish shelling on Mirkan, Afrin, 3rd March 2018. (via Hawar)
  • The aftermath of alleged Turkish shelling on Mirkan, Afrin, 3rd March 2018. (via Hawar)
  • The aftermath of alleged Turkish shelling on Mirkan, Afrin, 3rd March 2018. (via Hawar)
  • The aftermath of alleged Turkish shelling on Mirkan, Afrin, 3rd March 2018. (via Hawar)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Mirkan, Afrin (ميركان), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.5375, 36.713889. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Turkish Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Turkish Military
  • Turkish Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–10
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS085

Incident date

June 22, 2017

Location

رأس العين ﺍﻟﺮﺍﻭﻳﺔ , al Rawiya village, Ras al Ain, Hassaka, Syria

Geolocation

36.729444, 39.818611 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three civilians were wounded in an alleged Turkish shelling of al Rawiya village, Ras al Ain, according to sources on the ground.

Al Hassaka Rasd reported that “two women and a girl were injured by a shell fired from the Turkish side on the village of #Rawiya in the region of Ras al-Ain in the north-western province of Hasaka, according to the director of Al-Qamishli Hospital”.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also reported the casualties – and pointed towards a Turkish shell.

According to SANA, the Syrian news agency, “two women and one girl were seriously injured by a rocket-propelled grenade fired from Turkish territory on the village of Al-Rawiya in the Ain al-Arab area in the northern countryside of Al-Hasakah last night [June 22nd].”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • 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 Military

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of al Rawiya village, Ras al Ain (رأس العين ﺍﻟﺮﺍﻭﻳﺔ ), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.729444, 39.818611. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Turkish Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Turkish Military
  • Turkish Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • 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 Military

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TI026

Incident date

July 19, 2019

Location

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

Geolocation

35.759886, 43.605080 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

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 details are known at this time.

The incident occured at approximately 3:15 am local time.

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Video of the incident

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the Martyr Rustam Jodi Camp (مخيم الشهيد روستم جودي) in Makhmur (مخمور). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for the camp are: 35.759886, 43.605080.

Turkish Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Turkish Military
  • Turkish Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS316

Incident date

October 11, 2019

Location

عين ديوار, Ayn Diwar, Hassakah, Syria

Geolocation

37.287199, 42.192781 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least two civilians were wounded in an alleged Turkish shelling of Ayn Diwar village, east of Derik, local sources said.

@dersi4m tweeted: “The Turkish army is shelling the village Ayn Diwar, 12 km eastern of Derik. Two civilians have been wounded.”

ANF reported: “The village of Ayn Diwar, 12 km east of Derik city in northern Syria, is under constant attack by the Turkish army and allied mercenaries for two days, since the launch of Turkey’s military operation to invade North and East Syria on Wednesday [Oct 9th].

“The village has been targeted several times by Turkish aerial bombardments, howitzer and mortar attacks.

“Fighters of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are evacuating the civilians from the village to make sure that they don’t suffer any harm. The young people in the village are refusing to leave and joining the resistance alongside the SDF.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • 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 Military

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of an alleged Turkish shelling of Ayn Diwar village, east of Derik, Hasakah Governorate, Syria, Oct 11th (via ANF English)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Turkish shelling of Ayn Diwar village, east of Derik, Hasakah Governorate, Syria, Oct 11th (via ANF English)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Turkish shelling of Ayn Diwar village, east of Derik, Hasakah Governorate, Syria, Oct 11th (via ANF English)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Turkish shelling of Ayn Diwar village, east of Derik, Hasakah Governorate, Syria, Oct 11th (via ANF English)
  • Footage of the aftermath of an alleged Turkish shelling of Ayn Diwar village, east of Derik, Hasakah Governorate, Syria, Oct 11th.
  • Aftermath of Turkish shelling on Ain Diwar

Geolocation notes (4) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention several locations being struck in the village of Ayn Diwar (عين ديوار). Investigating audio-visual material from sources, we have narrowed down one of these locations to a small compound on the northern edge of the village, for which the exact coordinates are: 37.287199, 42.192781.

  • Reports of the incident mention several locations being struck in the village of Ayn Diwar (عين ديوار). Investigating audio-visual material from sources, we have narrowed down one of these locations to a small compound on the northern edge of the village.

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

  • Tagged panoramic stitch of audio-visual material.

    Imagery:
    Vedeng

  • Tagged panoramic stitch of audio-visual material.

    Imagery:
    ANHA

  • Tagged satellite image.

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

Turkish Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Turkish Military
  • Turkish Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • 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 Military

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS348

Incident date

October 16, 2019

Location

رفح, Rafha, Hassakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.671052, 39.143708 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

“Many” civilians died and “more than 50” were wounded in alleged Turkish artillery strikes on Rafha village, local media said.

According to @ HiwaDilan_71, “Groups of gangs affiliated with the occupying Turkish state bombed a village inhabited by Arab citizens in Girê Spî. Many civilians have died, including more than 50 people hospitalized, including women, children and the elderly.”

@nazimodas posted footage of “a father whose son died in the bombing.”

Politika noted howitzer fire.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 10
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    50
  • 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 attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    "A father whose son died in the bombing."
  • Wounded civilians in Rafha village, Tal Abyad, Oct 16th (via Politika)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Rafha (رفح), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.671052, 39.143708. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Turkish Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Turkish Military
  • Turkish Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 10
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    50
  • 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 attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS369

Incident date

October 26, 2019

Location

الأسدية, Al Assadiya, Hassakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.933136, 40.342870 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two civilians were reported injured in an alleged Turkish forces attack on Assadiya village, Ras Al Ain in Hassakah Governorate on October 26th, 2019 according to local sources.

The two civilians were identified as Mary Khelef Mihemed (55) and Mihemed Mustafa Tahir (age unknown).

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mary Khelef Mihemed
55 years old female injured
Mihemed Mustafa Tahir
Age unknown male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • 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 Military

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Assadiya (الأسدية), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.933136, 40.342870. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Turkish Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Turkish Military
  • Turkish Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • 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 Military

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS387

Incident date

November 9, 2019

Location

الديويرا‎ و تل حليف, Tal Halef and Al Diwera, Al Hasakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.823259, 40.040680 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Many civilians were reported killed and injured when Turkish forces allegedly opened fire on protesters in Tal Halef and Diwera villages in the vicinity of Ras Al Ayn – Syria on November 9th, 2019 according to local sources.

SANA reported that “10 civilians were suffocated due to the release of tear gas by the Turkish patrols, accompanied by Russian patrols, on the people who went out in protest against their passage in Al Jawadiya area in Hasaka countryside, while they kidnapped three young men from the village of Tal Jemma in the countryside of Ras Al Ain, while a civilian was killed as a result of torture”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 10
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Civilians protesting against Turkey were reported attacked in Ras Al Ayn villages on November 9th, 2019 (via ANHA)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the villages of Tal Halef (تل حليف), for which coordinates are: 36.823259, 40.040680, and Al Diwera (الديويرا‎) at: 36.798889, 40.039722. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

  • Reports of the incident mention the villages of Tal Halef (تل حليف) and Al Diwera (الديويرا‎).

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

Turkish Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Turkish Military
  • Turkish Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 10
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–24
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (14) [ collapse]