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

TS384

Incident date

November 6, 2019

Location

جامع الصديق , Al Seddiqe Mosque, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.207338, 37.143774 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian was reported killed and “many” injured in an alleged Turkey-backed militants’ artillery attack on the Al-Cemîliye neighbourhood, in Aleppo, Syria, on November 6th, 2019 according to local sources.

The Al Siddiqe Mosque was reportedly targeted.

Some sources blamed the Jabhat al-Nusra group.

The incident occured in the evening.

The victims were named as:

bd al-Hadi Janbaz
28 years old male killed
Basil al-Dhafiri
29 years old male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–8
  • 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, Unknown

Sources (21) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Aftermath of the attack.
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Aftermath of the attack.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention an airstrike in the vicinity of Al Seddiqe Mosque (جامع الصديق), within the Jamiliyeh (الجميلية) neighbourhood of Aleppo (ﺣَﻠَﺐ‎). The exact coordinates of the mosque are: 36.207338, 37.143774.

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

Unknown Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Unknown
  • Unknown position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–8
  • 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, Unknown

Sources (21) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS382A

Incident date

November 5, 2019

Location

كعن كورك, Kani Gawrk, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.431389, 36.764444 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

An elderly civilian was reported killed after allegedly being assaulted by Turkey-backed militants in Kanî Gewirkê village, on the road between the city of Afrin and Jindiris, on November 5th 2019, according to local sources.

kurdistan24.net reported that Suleyman Hamko, aged 73 was killed by militants who are believed to belong to the Suleyman Shah Brigade, led by Mohammad al-Jassim, who is also known as Abu Amsha. The source also reported that this wasn’t the first time Suleyman was attacked, but he had been attacked twice before in Aug 2019 probably because of his political views against Turkey and the FSA.

Other sources said that Turkey-backed militants came to the victim’s house to “pillage his money”.

According to Afrin Centre “Mr. Hamko resisted them so they beat him, causing him to have internal brain haemorrhage”.

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
    1
  • (1 man)
  • 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 (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • 73 years old Suleyman Hamko was reported killed by Turkey-backed militants in Afrin on November 5th, 2019 (via Kurdistan24).

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Kani Gawrk (كعن كورك), for which the coordinates are: 36.431389, 36.764444. 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

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
    Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • 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 (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TI030

Incident date

November 4, 2019

Location

خانصور, Khanasor, Sinjar, Iraq

Geolocation

36.47777, 41.61138 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that three civilians were injured in an alleged Turkish airstrike on Khanasor.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • "RojNews reports that warplanes have bombed the surroundings of the Khanasor (Xanesor) district of Shengal city in southern Kurdistan, northern Iraq. According to the report, at least three civilians were wounded in the attack." (via ANF)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Khanasor (خانصور), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.47777, 41.61138. 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
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS380

Incident date

November 3, 2019

Location

الطريق بين رشيدية و القاسمية, Road between Al Rashidiya and Al Qasimiya village, Al Hasaka, Syria

Geolocation

36.706030, 40.353696 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Street level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One member of Doctors Without Borders was killed and three other civilians including two aged 17 wounded in an alleged Turkish mortar strike on a convoy about four kilometers north of Tal Temr, local sources reported.

Hawar news said: “The invading Turkish state wounded two doctors by firing cannons at Til Temir’s convoy of Doctors Without Borders between Al-Rashidiy and Al-Qasimiyê village. The condition of one of the doctors remains serious.”

Later reports said that one of the victims had died.

Free Burma Rangers issued the following statement:

“We are very sad to announce that Zau Seng, our Kachin cameraman and medic from Burma, was killed today, Nov. 3., by a Free Syrian Army/Turkish Army mortar strike that hit our forward casualty collection point where we were assembled to treat the wounded.

“Last night, Nov. 2, we had rescued three people from this area successfully but this time we were hit very close, about 10 meters from us. Mohammed, our Iraqi translator and coordinator, was also wounded but is in stable condition in the hospital.

“Zau Seng was my brother and hero. He leaves behind a wife, Lunu, and daughter, who celebrated her first birthday today. We pledge to take care of his wife and daughter as much as we can. We believe Zau is with Jesus now, in what the people of Burma call ‘the undiscovered land.’ He has now discovered it.

“I know he’s happy and still laughing, as he was always laughing, but we are sad because the world is emptier without him.”

A second post by Burma Rangers quoted Mohammed, the wounded Iraqi translator. He said:  “Our duty is to remove civilians from the battlefield. We are a human rights organization. When we reached the village of Al-Ezîziyê, we were exposed to bombardment of gangs belonging to the Turkish state. The gangs wanted to pave the way for them to reach Til Temir. We were attacked when we treated the wounded. Despite the Red Cross flag on our vehicle, they continued to attack us. A Thai member lost his life as a result of the attacks.”

The incident occured in the afternoon.

The victims were named as:

37 years old male killed
31 years old male KRC List injured
Luay Sitam Hemid
17 years old male KRC List - Fragments in the left leg injured
Muhannad Jasim Hemid
17 years old male KRC List - Fragments in the left leg injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 healthcare_personnel)
  • 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

Sources (34) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (16) [ collapse]

  • Footage of the alleged Turkish strike on the convoy in Tal Temr, Nov 3rd.
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Attempts to save the life Zau Seng, one of the members of the convoy.
  • Mohammed, part of the convoy struck by an alleged Turkish morat in Tal Temr, Nov 3rd (via Free Burma Rangers)
  • Zau Seng (via Free Burma Rangers)
  • Zau Seng (via Free Burma Rangers)
  • Zau Seng with wife Lunu (via Free Burma Rangers)
  • Zau Seng with his daughter (via Free Burma Rangers)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Attempts to save the life of Zau Seng following the alleged Turkish strike on the convoy in Tal Temr, Nov 3rd (via Hawar news)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Attempts to save the life of Zau Seng following the alleged Turkish strike on the convoy in Tal Temr, Nov 3rd (via Hawar news)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Attempts to save the life of Zau Seng following the alleged Turkish strike on the convoy in Tal Temr, Nov 3rd (via Hawar news)
  • KRC list of civilians killed and injured between 09 October and 14 November 2019.

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention a vehicle being struck on the road between the villages of Al Qasimiya (القاسمية) and Al Rashidiya (رشيدية), north of the town of Tal Tamr (تل تمر), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.706030, 40.353696. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

  • Reports of the incident mention a vehicle being struck on the road between the villages of Al Qasimiya (القاسمية) and Al Rashidiya (رشيدية), north of the town of Tal Tamr (تل تمر).

    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
    1
  • (1 healthcare_personnel)
  • 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

Sources (34) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS381

Incident date

November 3, 2019

Location

رأس العين, Ras Al Ayn, Al Hasaka, Syria

Geolocation

36.849378, 40.068785 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian was reported killed in an alleged Turkish forces and/or Turkey-backed militants’ attack in Zirqan district, Hasaka, Syria on November 3rd, 2019.

ANHA reported that Seyîd Hewaş, who was a security guard in the tomb of Sheikh Hisên in the village of Lazqe in Zirgan district was killed.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Adult male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • 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 (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the Mausoleum of Sheikh Hisên, allegedly in the vicinity of Ras Al Ayn (رأس العين). The generic coordinates for Ras Al Ayn are: 36.849378 40.068785. 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

Free Syrian Army Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • 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 (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS382

Incident date

November 3, 2019

Location

عرب حسن, Arab Hassan, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.649444, 37.847778 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian was reported killed in an alleged Turkish forces or Turkey-backed militants’ artillery attack on Arab Hassan village, northwest of Manbej in Syria, on November 3rd, 2019, according to local sources.

@NPA_English reported that the attack led to the killing of a young man. No other information is available at the moment.

ANF named the victim as 15-year-old Hisên Elî El-Fesîh.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Hisên Elî El-Fesîh
25 years old male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • 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 attackers
    Turkish Military, Free Syrian Army

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Arab Hassan (عرب حسن), in the northwest of the city of Manbij (منبج‎), for which the coordinates are: 36.649444, 37.847778. 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

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 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 attackers
    Turkish Military, Free Syrian Army

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS379

Incident date

November 2, 2019

Location

عين الهوى, Aniq Al Hawa, Al Hasaka, Syria

Geolocation

36.778612, 40.313230 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four civilians were reportedly executed, allegedly by Turkey-backed militants in Aniq Al Hawa village in Ras Al Ayn, Syria, on November 2nd, 2019 according to local sources.

The sources reported that Turkey-backed militants disguised in Syrian regime forces clothing executed the four civilians.

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
    4
  • 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 attackers
    Turkish Military, Free Syrian Army

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Aniq Al Hawa (عين الهوى), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.778612, 40.313230. 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

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
    Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • 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 attackers
    Turkish Military, Free Syrian Army

Sources (13) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS378b

Incident date

November 1, 2019

Location

السباتية, Al Sibatya, Al Hasakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.738194, 40.174097 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Street level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to the Kurdish Red Crescent, three civilians were killed and one other injured in an alleged Turkish attack on Tal Tamr in Hasaka governorate in Syria on November 1st, 2019.

The civilians killed were all males and identified as Abdulazeez Salih al Hesh, Mahmoud Ahmad Muhammad and Muhammad Ali Khuwam. Ali Ezizi, was also injured in the attack.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that “a civilian was killed and others were injured”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Abdulazeez Salih al Hesh
Age unknown male KRC killed
Ali Ezizi
42 years old male KRC injured
Mahmoud Ahmad Muhammad
62 years old male KRC killed
Muhammad Ali Khuwam
56 years old male KRC injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • 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 (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Sibatya (السباتية), allegedly located along the road connecting Tal Tamr (تل تمر) to Ras Al Ayn (رأس العين) in the north. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for the road are: 36.738194, 40.174097.

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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
    3
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–2
  • 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 (4) [ collapse]