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

Incident Code

TI042

Incident date

July 26, 2020

Location

the road between Barzanke and Ghilpish, Duhok, Iraq

Airwars assessment

Two men were killed in alleged Turkish airstrikes on two vehicles near Hasinpirka village, Duhok province, on July 26th, 2020. Sources are conflicted about whether the men were civilians or PKK militants.

Kurdistan24 reported that “a Turkish airstrike in rural parts of the Kurdistan region’s Duhok province killed at least two civilians, a security source told Kurdistan 24 on Sunday. The raid struck and destroyed two vehicles, killing all occupants”, adding that initial reports claimed that the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) had been targeted.

ANF Turkey wrote that the strikes hit civilians cars and identified the victims as Dilovan Şahin Omer Kesani and Ebdullah Ehmed. @eha_news, however, reported that two PKK vehicles were struck, adding that “sources report that high-ranking militants have been killed in the operation coordinated between the Turkish intelligence and army.”

Roj News initially reported only one death, but later wrote that two civilians were killed. The same source did write that “Abdullah Ahmed is said to be PKK’s intelligence peshmerga.”

The mayor of the Bamarne sub-district, Hamid Zubair, told Rudaw: “The two vehicles belonged to PKK fighters and they were targeted at [around] 4:30pm on the road between Barzanke and Ghilpish villages in Bamarne sub-district, killing two people in the vehicles.” According to Mr Zubair, “the airstrikes did not cause any human losses among civilians.”

According to NRT, one of the victims was a PKK militant, whereas the other was a civilian.

Civil defence teams reportedly put out the fire that was caused by the airstrikes.

The incident occured at approximately 4:30 pm local time.

The victims were named as:

Adult male from Gulle village killed
Adult male from the village of Bendkê killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 men)
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    Other
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2

Sources (18) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (26) [ collapse]

  • The mother of one of the victims of alleged Turkish airstrikes in Duhok province on July 26th, 2020 at the site (via Kurdistan 24)
  • Two vehicles were targeted in alleged Turkish airstrikes in Duhok province on July 26th, 2020 (via Kurdistan24).
  • Aftermath of alleged Turkish airstrikes on the road between Barzanke and Ghilpish on July 26th, 2020 (via ANF).
  • The vehicles that were targeted in alleged Turkish airstrikes on the road between Barzanke and Ghilpish on July 26th, 2020 (via ANF).
  • Two vehicles were targeted by alleged Turkish airstrikes on the road between Barzanke and Ghilpish in Duhok province, July 26th (via ANF).
  • The site after the alleged Turkish airstrike on Duhok province on July 26th (via ANF).
  • Aftermath of alleged Turkish airstrikes on the road between Barzanke and Ghilpish on July 26th, 2020 (via ANF).
  • Aftermath of alleged Turkish airstrikes on Dohuk province on July 26th, 2020 (via ANF).
  • Dilovan Şahin Omer Keşanî and Ebdullah Ehmed were killed in alleged Turkish airstrikes on July 26th, 2020 (via Roj News).
  • One of the vehicles that was targeted in alleged Turkish airstrikes on the road between Barzanke and Ghilpish on July 26th, 2020 (via @eha_news).
  • One of the victims of alleged Turkish airstrikes on the road between Barzanke and Ghilpish on July 26th, 2020 (via @GoranShakhawan).
  • Aftermath of alleged Turkish airstrikes on the road between Barzanke and Ghilpish on July 26th, 2020 (via @GoranShakhawan).
  • Dilovan Şahin Omer Keşanî and Ebdullah Ehmed were killed in alleged Turkish airstrikes on July 26th, 2020 (via @Hawar_).
  • Aftermath of alleged Turkish airstrikes on the road between Barzanke and Ghilpish on July 26th, 2020 (via @MapsZagros).
  • Dilovan Şahin Omer Keşanî and Ebdullah Ehmed were killed in alleged Turkish airstrikes on July 26th, 2020. It unclear which victim is pictured in this photo (via @afatbaz).
  • Dilovan Şahin Omer Keşanî and Ebdullah Ehmed were killed in alleged Turkish airstrikes on July 26th, 2020. It unclear which victim is pictured in this photo (via @afatbaz).
  • Vehicles on fire after alleged Turkish airstrikes in Dohuk province on July 26th, 2020 (via @Oliver_Miller70 ).
  • Translation: “Images of the #PKK vehicle targeted by a Turkish F-16 fighter jet in the #Dohuk area of northern #Iraq” (via @aucuneideegtyb).
  • One of the bodies covered by a blanket after alleged Turkish airstrikes on Dohuk province, July 26th (via lswnews).
  • Translation: “The incursion and the attacks of the Turkish army continue to kill people in South Kurdistan. This afternoon, the Turkish air force targeted 2 civilian vehicles in Bamernê, in the province of #Dohuk, killing several people. We do not yet know the number of dead and injured” (via @Le_CDKF).

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 men)
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    Other
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2

Sources (18) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS442

Incident date

July 20, 2020

Location

جرنك, Gerenke, Hassakah, Syria

Geolocation

37.069256, 41.269203 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between two and three civilians were allegedly injured by Turkish shelling on Qamishli.

Syriacpress wrote: “A Syriac Press correspondent in Zalin reported that Turkish forces targeted the city center with a missile in the morning.

Our correspondent declared that the Turkish missile landed in Roj Garage, injuring two civilians who were transferred to a nearby hospital for treatment.”

Rojava Network tweeted: “The Turkish occupation army randomly shelled the city Qamişlo with a mortar. 2 civilians were wounded and are under good conditions. Russian forces has sent a military delegation to the impact location.”

Kongra Star Women’s Movement Rojava, Ronahi tv and Rudaw put the casualty toll at three injured. Rudaw added: “Faisal Osman, a resident of the neighborhood, told Rudaw on Monday that Turkish artillery targeted the neighborhood and wounded three civilians.

‘At 9:30 am on Monday, Turkish artillery shelled our area; it resulted in wounding three civilians, and damaging civilian cars,’ Osman claimed. ‘We are all civilians here.'”

The incident occured at 09:30:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

50 years old male injured
40 years old male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–3
  • 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.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Car allegedly damaged by Turkish shelling on Qamishli on July 20th, 2020 (via ANHA)
  • Car allegedly damaged by Turkish shelling on Qamishli on July 20th, 2020 (via ANHA)
  • Car allegedly damaged by Turkish shelling on Qamishli on July 20th, 2020 (via ANHA)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention Roj Garage being struck in the Gerenke (جرنك) area, north east of Qamishli (قامشلي). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for this area are: 37.069256, 41.269203.

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
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–3
  • 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.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS441

Incident date

July 16, 2020

Location

الدرباسية, Ad Darbasiyah, Hassakah, Syria

Geolocation

37.063375, 40.655364 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between one and three civilians were allegedly injured by a Turkish drone or mortar strike on Ad Darbasiyah.

Woofers tweeted: “Casualties reported (all injuries) are two Russian soldiers, a Syrian soldier, and a local civilian.

It would seem that the local civilian casualty may not exist and may be the Syrian soldier who may have been out of uniform.

No one I’ve spoken to has seen the reported UAV. I don’t know if it really was an airstrike. But everyone is reporting it as one.”

Rudaw reported: “At least one Russian soldier was injured in a drone attack in Darbasiyah town in northeast Syria (Rojava) on Thursday, according to Kurdish security forces (Asayesh) who blamed Turkey for the incident in which civilians were also hurt.

‘Turkish planes targeted a Russian forces point in the vicinity of Darbasiyah,’ read a statement from the Asayesh. ‘A drone, which belongs to the invading army, targeted a Russian forces military point on Thursday.’

‘A Russian soldier and three civilians were injured,’ stated the Asayesh, describing the site that was hit as a ‘strategic coordination point one kilometre south of Darbasiyah town on the road to Hasakah city.”

Other sources did not report civilian harm and said that at least two Russian soldiers and possibly one Syrian regime soldier were injured.

Nina described the attack as a “kamikaze drone strike” on Twitter.

Zafer Kabaoglu said three Russian soldiers and two YPG members were injured.

Rob Leee pointed out that the pictures of the munition used rather looks like a mortar round than Turkish drone missiles.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • 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 attacker
    Turkish Military
  • Suspected target
    Other
  • Belligerents reported injured
    2–5

Sources (23) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (13) [ collapse]

  • Soldier allegedly injured by Turkish drone on Ad Darsabiyah on July 16th, 2020 (via ZOKA)
  • Aftermath of alleged Turkish drone attack on Ad Darsabiyah on July 16th, 2020 (via ZOKA)
  • Soldier allegedly injured by Turkish drone on Ad Darsabiyah on July 16th, 2020 (via ZOKA)
  • Soldier allegedly injured by Turkish drone on Ad Darsabiyah on July 16th, 2020 (via ZOKA)
  • Aftermath of alleged Turkish drone attack on Ad Darsabiyah on July 16th, 2020 (via SOHR)
  • Munition used in alleged Turkish drone attack on Ad Darsabiyah on July 16th, 2020 (via SOHR)
  • Aftermath of alleged Turkish drone attack on Ad Darsabiyah on July 16th, 2020 (via SOHR)
  • Aftermath of alleged Turkish drone attack on Ad Darsabiyah on July 16th, 2020 (via SOHR)
  • Munition used in alleged Turkish drone attack on Ad Darsabiyah on July 16th, 2020 (via SOHR)
  • Munition used in alleged Turkish drone attack on Ad Darsabiyah on July 16th, 2020 (via ZOKA)
  • Munition used in alleged Turkish drone attack on Ad Darsabiyah on July 16th, 2020 (via ZOKA)
  • Munition used in alleged Turkish drone attack on Ad Darsabiyah on July 16th, 2020 (via ZOKA)

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention a Russia military checkpoint or area approximately 1km outside from Al Darbasiyah (الدرباسية). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. A possible location for this strike, that matches the type of building within the audio-visual material, is at these coordinates: 37.063375, 40.655364.

  • Reports of the incident mention a Russia military checkpoint or area approximately 1km outside from Al Darbasiyah (الدرباسية).

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

  • A possible location for this strike, that matches the type of building within the audio-visual material.

    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, Drone Strike
  • 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 attacker
    Turkish Military
  • Suspected target
    Other
  • Belligerents reported injured
    2–5

Sources (23) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS440

Incident date

July 16, 2020

Location

1km من مركز مدينة الدرباسية, 1KM from Al Darbasiyah city centre, Hassakah, Syria

Geolocation

37.063942, 40.652917 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Street level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian was allegedly by a Turkish drone strike on Ad Darbasiyah.

ANHA wrote: “At about 10:00 a.m., a Turkish airliner was believed to have bombed one of the city’s points, 1 km from the center of Ad-Derbasiyah district on Ad-Derbasiyah-al-Hasakah road.

The shelling resulted in a civilian injury, from the people of Amouda, and works in the industry with minor injuries, according to a reporter from ANHA agency in the district.  That after medical assistance, the wounded man returned to his home and is in stable condition.”

Wladimir also tweeted that one civilian was injured.

The incident occured at approximately 10:00 am local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • 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 attacker
    Turkish Military
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Damage allegedly caused by Turkish drone strike on Ad Darbasiyah on July 16th, 2020 (via Wladimir)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the road between Al Darbasiyah (الدرباسية) and Al Hassakah (الحسكة‎) being struck approximately 1km away from the city centre of Al Darbasiyah. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The coordinates for this approximate location are: 37.063942, 40.652917.

  • Reports of the incident mention the road between Al Darbasiyah (الدرباسية) and Al Hassakah (الحسكة‎) being struck approximately 1km away from the city centre of Al Darbasiyah.

    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, Drone Strike
  • 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 attacker
    Turkish Military
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TI041

Incident date

June 25, 2020

Location

كونه ماسي , Kunamasi, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq

Geolocation

35.796455, 45.415773 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Additional Geolocations

35.796413, 45.412799 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

§§Five or six civilians were allegedly injured by a Turkish airstrike on Kunamasi.

Rebaz Majeed tweeted: “The Turkish drones hit a vehicle half an hour ago, belonging to PKK members, in Slemani Province’s Kuna Masi. They also hit a mini market belonging to a local family. 2 are dead and more than 5 are injured and there are children among them.”

Adem Uzun wrote: “2 killed and 6 wounded (2 women, 2 children and 2 men, all members of the same family).”

One of the injured, Payman Thalib Thaher, a mother of two, had one leg amputated while the other was broken.

Rudaw also reported six injured and one man killed of which the outlet could not say if he was a civilian or combatant.

Hana Çômanî said: “People who have been killed ,injured today in #kunamasi they weren’t #PKK they were civilians(3children 8 their mother ,also a woman who was working on her farm)”

Yousif al-Hashimi described the man killed as “armed”. Barzan Saqiq said at least four PKK fighters were killed in the event.

KirkukNow and Hedwih Kuijpers said it was drone strike.

The incident occured at approximately 5:40 pm local time.

The victims were named as:

Adult female Her leg was amputated injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–6
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    Other

Sources (28) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Child allegedly injured by Turkish airstrike on Kunamasi on June 25th, 2020 (via Adem Uzun)

Geolocation notes (3) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention strikes on a vehicle and a mini market in the village of Kunamasi (كونه ماسي). Analyzing audio-visual material from sources, we were able to narrow down the location to the following coordinates: 35.796455, 45.415773 (the mini market) and 35.796413, 45.412799 (the vehicle).

{"type":"FeatureCollection","features":[{"type":"Feature","properties":{"label":"Mini Market","label-type":"black-white"},"geometry":{"type":"Point","coordinates":[45.413155,35.796455]}},{"type":"Feature","properties":{"label":"Vehicle","label-type":"black-white"},"geometry":{"type":"Point","coordinates":[45.412799,35.796413]}},{"type":"Feature","properties":{"label":"B","label-type":"white-red","stroke":"#ff0000","stroke-width":1,"stroke-opacity":1,"fill-opacity":0},"geometry":{"type":"Polygon","coordinates":[[[45.41337534785271,35.79674048848223],[45.41362076997757,35.79674048848223],[45.41362076997757,35.79697327005894],[45.41337534785271,35.79697327005894],[45.41337534785271,35.79674048848223]]]}},{"type":"Feature","properties":{"label":"A","label-type":"white-red","stroke":"#ff0000","stroke-width":1,"stroke-opacity":1,"fill-opacity":0},"geometry":{"type":"Polygon","coordinates":[[[45.41288316249847,35.79648268752892],[45.412983745336525,35.79648268752892],[45.412983745336525,35.79687210805564],[45.41288316249847,35.79687210805564],[45.41288316249847,35.79648268752892]]]}},{"type":"Feature","properties":{"label":"C","label-type":"white-red","stroke":"#ff0000","stroke-width":1,"stroke-opacity":1,"fill-opacity":0},"geometry":{"type":"Polygon","coordinates":[[[45.41390910744667,35.79681989535841],[45.414253771305084,35.79681989535841],[45.414253771305084,35.79699720083658],[45.41390910744667,35.79699720083658],[45.41390910744667,35.79681989535841]]]}}]}
  • Tagged visual material from sources

    Imagery:
    Kurdistan24

  • Tagged visual material from sources

    Imagery:
    Kurdistan24

  • Tagged visual material from sources

    Imagery:
    @Arahemn1

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–6
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    Other

Sources (28) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS439

Incident date

June 23, 2020

Location

Helincê, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.853527, 38.379450 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three women were killed in alleged Turkish drone strikes on a civilian residence in the Kurdish village of Helincê, Aleppo governorate, on June 23rd, 2020, according to local sources. Two civilians were wounded.

Kurdistan24 reported that “a Turkish drone strike on Tuesday evening killed three civilian females at a residence in the village of Helincê, located outside the northern Syrian city of Kobani, according to local security forces.”

@ElhamAhmadSDC reported that the three women were active as women’s rights activists. ANF identified two of the victims as Zehra Berkel and Emine Veysi. Hawar News reported that Berkel was a coordinating member of the Kongra Star women’s movement. Reportedly, it was Veysi’s house that was targeted. The third victim was identified as Mizgin Xelil.

According to @DefteraRes, two other civilians were wounded.

The General Command of the Kurdish-led Internal Security Forces (ISF) wrote in an official statement: “We in the General Command of the Internal Security Forces (ISF) for Northeast Syria condemn the crimes of the Turkish occupation against our people and we also call on the International Coalition and the Russian Federation to do their duty.”

All sources blamed Turkey for the attack.

The incident occured in the evening.

The victims were named as:

30 years old female coordinating member of the Kongra Star women’s movement killed
Adult female killed
Adult female killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (19) [ collapse]

  • The victims of the alleged Turkish drone strike on Helincê on June 23rd, 2020 (via @ElhamAhmadSDC).
  • Damaged civilian property after alleged Turkish drone strikes on Helincê on June 23rd, 2020 (via ANF).
  • Zehra Berkel (30) was killed in alleged Turkish drone strikes on Helincê on June 23rd, 2020 (via ANF).
  • Zehra Berkel (30) was killed in alleged Turkish drone strikes on Helincê on June 23rd, 2020 (via ANF).
  • Translation: "Three women were killed today by the bombing of a Turkish drone in Kobani, who were active in defense of women's rights. All this hatred hidden from the Turkish authorities to confront Kurdish women. She is afraid of the greatness of these women, so she targets them. Stop Erdogan's crimes" (via @ElhamAhmadSDC).
  • Translation: "Three civilians were martyred as a result of the bombardment of the occupier Turkish state army planes on the village of Helencê in Kobanê" (via @kendal77cudi).
  • Destroyed civilian home after alleged Turkish drone strikes on Helincê on June 23rd, 2020 (via @kendal77cudi).
  • Damage after alleged Turkish drone strikes on Helincê on June 23rd, 2020 (via @kendal77cudi).
  • An alleged Turkish drone strike targeted a civilian home in Helincê on June 23rd, 2020 (via @baxtiyarumut).
  • Rubble after alleged Turkish drone strikes on Helincê on June 23rd, 2020 (via @baxtiyarumut).
  • One of the victims of alleged Turkish drone strikes on Helincê on June 23rd, 2020 (via Hawar News).
  • Aftermath of alleged Turkish drone strikes on Helincê on June 23rd, 2020 (via VDCSY).
  • Statement on the alleged Turkish drone strike on Helincê on June 23rd, 2020, by the Syrian Democratic Council (via @Rojavanetwork).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Helincê, for which the generic coordinates are: 36.853527, 38.379450. 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, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TI040

Incident date

June 19, 2020

Location

Barwari, Dohuk, Iraq

Geolocation

37.221806, 43.232818 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Subdistrict level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian was allegedly killed by a Turkish airstrike in Barwari.

Barzan Sadiq tweeted: “Another civillian killed in Barwari area, western Duhok by Turkish attacks. So far five civillians killed since Turkey began their military operation against PKK in Kurdistan Region.”

There is currently no further information available.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the subdistrict of Barwari, for which the generic coordinates are: 37.221806, 43.232818. 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
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TI039

Incident date

June 19, 2020

Location

Kokar, Dohuk, Iraq

Geolocation

37.113611, 43.825556 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three civilians were allegedly killed and two injured by a Turkish airstike on Nerwa Rekan.

Mehr Baluch tweeted: “3 civilian got killed in Nerwa & Rekan area by Turkish jets bombardment, all three residents of Shiladize, they been targeted in Kokar near Avamark Resort.”

Hana Çômanî said: “Turkish war planes bombs Shiladze town in Dohuk province Iraqi Kurdistan, killed 3 civilians injured 2 2 hours ago.”

The incident occured at approximately 2:30 pm local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • 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 (5) [ collapse]

  • Picture from the funeral in Shiladze after the alleged killing of three civilians by a Turkish airstrike on Kokar on June 19th, 2020 (via Barzan Sadiq)
  • Picture from the funeral in Shiladze after the alleged killing of three civilians by a Turkish airstrike on Kokar on June 19th, 2020 (via Barzan Sadiq)
  • Picture from the funeral in Shiladze after the alleged killing of three civilians by a Turkish airstrike on Kokar on June 19th, 2020 (via Barzan Sadiq)
  • Picture from the funeral in Shiladze after the alleged killing of three civilians by a Turkish airstrike on Kokar on June 19th, 2020 (via Barzan Sadiq)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Kokar, for which the generic coordinates are: 37.113611, 43.825556. 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
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • 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]