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

TS394

Incident date

November 18, 2019

Location

معراتة‎, Maabatli, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.562778, 36.742222 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A 23-year-old woman and a member of the Difa Al Civil (Civil Defense) were killed by alleged Turkey-backed militants in the city of Afrin, Aleppo governorate, on November 18th, 2019, according to Hawar News Agency.

Hawar News Agency stated that Nircis Dawoudi and Ali Al Shaqur had just received their salaries when they were blocked by gangs on Kemrok road, Maabatli district. Their money was taken and both were killed. According to @HiwaDilan_71, both were members of Difa Al Civil, whereas Hawar News Agency stated that only Al Shaqur was a member.

@RojavaIC wrote on Twitter that the attack was perpetrated by “Turkish-backed faction Sultan Murad”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

23 years old female Yazidi woman from the village of Kemrok killed
Adult male member of Difa Al Civil (Civil Defense), from Khuta Al Sherqiya killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 woman1 man1–2 healthcare_personnel)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Small arms and light weapons
  • 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 (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Ali Al Shaqur and Nircis Dawoodi were allegedly killed by Turkey-backed militants in Afrin on November 18th, 2019 (via ANHA).
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention Kemrok Road within the town of Maabatli (معراتة‎), for which, due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Maabatli are: 36.562778, 36.742222.

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 woman1 man1–2 healthcare_personnel)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Small arms and light weapons
  • 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 (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS395 RS4181

Incident date

November 18, 2019

Location

تيري, Tayri, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.841111, 38.469167 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least one young woman was reported injured in eastern Kobane, after allegedly being hit by a Turkish-Russian patrol vehicle during on-going protests by locals against the presence of foreign forces in the area.

ANF reported that “the people protested against the patrol by throwing stones. A young woman was hit by a vehicle of the military convoy and was badly injured on her foot. She was then taken to the hospital of Kobanê. The injured woman explained that the vehicle had deliberately hit her”.

NPA and VDC reported that two civilian vehicles had been struck during the protests, while ANF claimed that the Turkish-Russian troops were deliberately targeting protesting civilians. The injured woman was said to have been taken to hospital, where she was treated for significant injuries to her leg or foot. NPA was alone in referencing two civilians injured in the event.

The location of the event was reported by one local source as the village of Tayri.

Local news source Rojava Information Centre reported that ‘local anger continues to grow’ against the Turkish-Russian patrols in and around Kobane.

The incident occured during the day.

The victims were named as:

Name unknown
Adult female injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Use of objects and other means
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Turkish Military, Russian Military
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (8) [ collapse]

  • A van damaged after allegedly being attacked as civilians protested against Turkish and Russian military patrols in the eastern countryside of Kobanî, Aleppo governorate, on November 18th, 2019 (via ANF).
  • A woman allegedly deliberately hit by a military vehicle, badly injured on her foot and taken to hospital of Kobane on November 18th, 2019 (via ANF).
  • A van damaged after allegedly being attacked as civilians protested against Turkish and Russian military patrols in the eastern countryside of Kobanî, Aleppo governorate, on November 18th, 2019 (via NPA).
  • Images of attacks on civilians who protested against Turkish and Russian military patrols in the eastern countryside of Kobanî, Aleppo governorate, on November 18th, 2019 (via NPA).
  • Civilians protested against Turkish and Russian military patrols in the eastern countryside of Kobanî, Aleppo governorate, on November 18th, 2019 (via NPA).
  • Image showing the Turkish Patrol convoy in the eastern countryside of Kobanî, Aleppo governorate, on November 18th, 2019 (via @VDCNS).
  • A car damaged after being attacked by a joint Turkish and Russian military convoy in the eastern countryside of Kobanî, Aleppo governorate, on November 18th, 2019 (via @VDCNS).
  • Image showing Turkish and Russian military patrols attacking protesters in the eastern countryside of Kobanî, Aleppo governorate, on November 18th, 2019 (via @NPA).

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Tayri (تيري), for which the coordinates are: 36.841111, 38.469167. 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

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Use of objects and other means
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Turkish Military, Russian Military
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS393

Incident date

November 17, 2019

Location

مركز شرطة الباب, Al Bab Police Station, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.368250, 37.513367 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least one man was killed and “many” wounded in alleged Turkish fire in the city of Al Bab, Aleppo governorate, on November 17th, 2019, according to Hawar News Agency.

The men were reportedly taking part in a demonstration against the Turkish invasion of the city. Hawar News Agency wrote that civilians were attacked with “real bullets and gas bombs” by “Turkish soldiers and gangs”.

 

The incident occured during the day.

The victims were named as:

38 years old male killed
35 years old male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–5
  • Cause of injury / death
    Small arms and light weapons
  • 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 (1) [ collapse]

  • Turkish soldiers allegedly attacked civilians in the city of Al Bab on November 17th, 2019 (via Hawar News Agency).

Geolocation notes (4) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention soldiers opening gunfire on a demonstration in the city of Al Bab (الباب). Investigating audio-visual material from sources, we have narrowed this location down to the entrance of Al Bab Police Station (مركز شرطة الباب), for which the exact coordinates are: 36.368250, 37.513367.

  • Reports of the incident mention soldiers opening gunfire on a demonstration in the city of Al Bab (الباب). Investigating audio-visual material from sources, we have narrowed this location down to the entrance of Al Bab Police Station (مركز شرطة الباب).

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

  • Panoramic stitch of footage from the incident. Tag A seems to be connected to a small road road which appears barely visible on the satellite imagery available to Airwars.

    Imagery:
    Hewar News

  • Panoramic stitch of footage from the incident.

    Imagery:
    Hewar News

  • Satellite imagery showing the distribution of buildings tagged in the panoramic stitches.

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–5
  • Cause of injury / death
    Small arms and light weapons
  • 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

TS392 RS4164

Incident date

November 12, 2019

Location

جمحران و كوربينكار, Jen Harran and Kurbinkar, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.825556, 38.388056 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between one and four civilians were reported killed and up to eight others injured when a joint Turkish and Russian patrol allegedly opened fire on protesters in Jen Harran village, southern Kobani, Aleppo in Syria on November 12th, 2019, according to local sources.

The sources also reported that the Turkish forces targeted journalists from Jin TV and Ronahi TV and consequently injuring the female journalist Zozan Remedan Berkel who was reporting for Jin TV, Welat Şhêkho a reporter for Ronaha TV and journalist Dliyar Jeziri.

NPA mentioned that “Turkish patrol opens fire at local civilians protesting against them in the village of Jen-Harran, southern Kobani, some civilians heavily wounded.” and ANF said that “Attack on Kobane people injures 8, including 2 journalists.”

Also @baxtiyarumut reported that “At least one woman was shot dead by Turkish troops in Kobani.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Adult female Reporter - Jin TV injured
Adult Reporter - Ronahî TV injured
Dliyar Jeziri
Adult male Journalist - KRC List injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 4
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–8
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Turkish Military, Russian Military

Sources (22) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (12) [ collapse]

  • KRC list of civilians killed and injured between 09 October and 14 November 2019.

  • "Occupying Turkish soldiers, the Russian military policemen opened fire on the people who reacted to them in the patrol: the invaders attack according to the first information, there are martyrs and wounded." (via @y_ozgurpolitika).
  • Turkish Patrol opened fire on protesters in Kobane on November 12th 2019 (via ANF)
  • Reporter of Ronahi TV was reported injured in Kobane on November 12th 2019 (via @PYD_Rojava)
  • Zozan Remezan Berkel, reporter of the all-female TV station Jin TV was reported injured in Kobane on November 12th 2019 (via @dersi4m and ANHA)
  • Civilians were injured when they were attacked by Turkish/Russian troops as they protested against them in Kobane, Aleppo on November 12th, 2019 (via @dersi4m)
  • A civilian showing bullets used in the attack on protesters by the Turkish/Russian troops in Kobane, Aleppo on November 12th, 2019 (via @dersi4m)
  • A civilians showing munitions used in the attack on protesters by the Turkish/Russian troops in Kobane, Aleppo on November 12th, 2019 (via @dersi4m)

Geolocation notes

Reports on the incident mention the villages of Jen Harran (جمحران) for which the coordinates are: 36.825556, 38.388056; and the village of Kurbinkar (كوربينكار) for which the coordinates are:  36.824722, 38.378611. 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

Russian Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 4
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–8
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    Turkish Military, Russian Military

Sources (22) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS391

Incident date

November 10, 2019

Location

صوامع شركراك, Sharakrak Silos, Raqqa , Syria

Geolocation

36.417648, 38.956206 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two civilians were reported injured as a result of alleged Turkish forces shelling on  the villages of Sharqê and Sawama close to the M4 highway and the town of Shelgirat in Eyn Isa, Raqqa governorate in Syria on November 11th, 2019 according to local sources.

The strikes reportedly hit grain silos.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • 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

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of an alleged Turkish strike on a grain silo in Shelgirat, Ain Issa, Raqqa Governorate, Syria , Nov 11th (via SO4HR)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Turkish strike on a grain silo in Shelgirat, Ain Issa, Raqqa Governorate, Syria , Nov 11th (via SO4HR)
  • The aftermath of an alleged Turkish strike on a grain silo in Shelgirat, Ain Issa, Raqqa Governorate, Syria , Nov 11th (via SO4HR)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the silos of Sharakrak (صوامع شركراك) being struck, west of the village of Sharakrak (شركراك), for which the exact coordinates are: 36.417648, 38.956206.

  • Exact location of the strike on the silos of Sharakrak (صوامع شركراك), west of the village of Sharakrak (شركراك).

    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
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • 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

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS390a

Incident date

November 11, 2019

Location

شمال تل تمر, North of Tel Tamir, Hassakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.696047, 40.368058 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Subdistrict level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to @DaveEubankFBR, two people were killed and three others injured in an alleged Turkish drone strike on north of Tal Tamr, Hasakah in Syria on November 11th, 2019.

Several other sources said three members of the “SDF” or “YPG” were killed in “a drone attack”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Aram Ehmed
22 years old injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    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
  • Belligerents reported killed
    3

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • A strike on Tal Tamr, Hasakah in Syria on November 11th, 2019.

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports on the incident mention multiple areas being struck in the vicinity of Tal Tamr  (تل تمر). Among these are Al Rashidiya (رشيدية) at: 36.7077883, 40.3632975, Al Qasimiya (القاسمية) at: 36.7056896, 40.3403807 and Al Rihaniyah (ريحانية) at: 36.708056, 40.325833. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Tal Tamr are: 36.696047, 40.368058.

  • Reports on the incident mention multiple areas being struck in the vicinity of Tal Tamr  (تل تمر). Among these are Al Rashidiya (رشيدية), Al Qasimiya (القاسمية) and Al Rihaniyah (ريحانية).

    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
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    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
  • Belligerents reported killed
    3

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS390

Incident date

November 10, 2019

Location

حي سيف الدولة, Sayf Al Dawla Neighbourhood, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.190833, 37.126944 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One child – a six-year-old girl, Norshan Atri – was reported killed in an alleged Turkey-backed militants’ artillery attack on Sêf El-Dewle, Al-Ezemiye and Al-Hemdaniye areas in Aleppo city, Syria on November 10th, 2019 according to local sources.

Multiple shells reportedly hit civilian homes. The little girl was killed when one of the shells hit her house.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Norshan Atri
6 years old female killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    7
  • 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 attackers
    Turkish Military, Free Syrian Army

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Sayf Al Dawla (حي سيف الدولة), in western Aleppo (حلب) city, for which the generic coordinates are: 36.190833, 37.126944. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

  • Reports of the incident mention the neighbourhood of Sayf Al Dawla (حي سيف الدولة), in western Aleppo (حلب) city.

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Free Syrian Army Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Free Syrian Army
  • Free Syrian Army position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    7
  • 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 attackers
    Turkish Military, Free Syrian Army

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS389

Incident date

November 9, 2019

Location

أم الشعفة, Um Shuayfa, Hasaka, Syria

Geolocation

36.747222, 40.353333 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three journalists were reported injured as a result of an alleged Turkish artillery attack on the village of Um Shuayfa, north of the city of Tal Tamr, on November 9th, 2019 according to local sources.

The journalist reported injured is Fadel Hammad, a reporter for the al-Akhbariya TV channel, and he was injured in the foot.

NPA added that there were also “four injuries among Syrian government forces”.

Snacksyria added that two other journalists – Walid Ibrahim and Muhammad Al-Khaled – were wounded by shrapnel.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Walid Ibrahim
Age unknown male injured
Fadel Hammad
Age unknown male injured
Muhammad Al-Khaled
Age unknown male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    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
  • Belligerents reported injured
    4

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • KRC list of civilians killed and injured between 09 October and 14 November 2019.

  • The aftermath of the alleged Turkish strike (via SANA)
  • The aftermath of the alleged Turkish strike (via SANA)
  • The aftermath of the alleged Turkish strike (via SANA)
  • Translation: " Syrian news photographer was injured by a bullet in the leg during his coverage of the Syrian Arab Army's clashes with the Turkish occupation and his mercenaries in the village of Um Shuaifa in the countryside"

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Um Shuayfa (أم شعيفة), for which the coordinates are: 36.747222, 40.353333. 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
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    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
  • Belligerents reported injured
    4

Sources (9) [ collapse]