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

TS297

Incident date

October 9, 2019

Location

al-Basheriyah, Qamishli, Hasakah, Syria

Geolocation

37.054722, 41.236111 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to three civilians including a woman were reported killed and many more wounded in alleged Turkish shelling of a Christian neighbourhood in al-Basheriyah, Qamishli, sources said. Reports claimed that the shells landed on civilian homes and fires broke out. Multiple reports published graphic images of casualties.

@NPA_SY said that a Kurdish civilian died and two Christian civilians were wounded. A 25-year-old Syrian woman, Juliet Nikola, was named as killed.

However, @Elizrael put the death toll at three with nine more injured. Other sources reported “many” or “tens” of civilian casualties – and published associated images.

@cmoc_sdf tweeted that “[ 37-year-old] Fadi Habsono’s house in the Besheriye neighbourhood in Qamishli was destroyed, and he was injured and taken to hospital. One of his neighbours was killed.”

@mustefabali noted: “Christians of northern Syria are facing risk of mass displacement. Most of them will prefer displacement than living under jihadist groups of Turkey. Some of them were wounded in shelling by Turkish army in Qamishli.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

25 years old female killed
37 years old male Initially report as injured killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 3
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    9–20
  • 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 (20) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Footage of the aftermath of alleged Turkish airstrike on the al-Basheriyah, Oct 9th.
  • The aftermath of alleged Turkish airstrike on the al-Basheriyah, Oct 9th.
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic images of wounded civilians following the allaged Turkish strikes on the al-Basheriyah, Oct 9th.
  • Another picture from the incident
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An alleged victim undergoing surgery

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
    1 – 3
  • (1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    9–20
  • 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 (20) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS339a

Incident date

October 10–13, 2019

Location

منبج‎ / عين العرب‎ / كوباني‎, M4 Highway, between Manbij and Kobani, Hassakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.6304613, 38.2997323 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Subdistrict level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Kurdish civilians were summarily executed by Turkish forces on the M4 highway in north east Syria, according to local media.

Video shared by @zana_med on twitter shows Turkey-backed militants near bodies of two civilians that they executed earlier on the M4 highway in Hassakah governroate.  The date of the summary execution is not known but possibly between 10 and 13 October 2019.

The content of the video is graphic.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 men)
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    Free Syrian Army

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the incident took place on the M4 highway between the cities of Manbij (منبج‎) and Kobani (عين العرب‎ / كوباني‎) for which the generic coordinates are: 36.6304613, 38.2997323. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

  • Reports of the incident mention the incident took place on the M4 highway between the cities of Manbij (منبج‎) and Kobani (عين العرب‎ / كوباني‎).

    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
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 men)
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    Free Syrian Army

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS306D

Incident date

October 10, 2019

Location

عين عيسى, Ain Issa, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

36.387430, 38.863020 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian was reported wounded with burns likely caused by Turkey’s use of White Phosphorus in Ain Issa, Aleppo in Syria on October 10th, 2019 according to a report by the Times.

No further details available.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Age unknown male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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.

    Sipan Faisal Rasho who was burnt in the alleged Turkish attack.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Ain Issa (عين عيسى), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.387430, 38.863020. 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
    1
  • 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

TS305A

Incident date

October 10, 2019

Location

القامشلي, Qamishli, Hassakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.889165, 38.353649 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Ten named civilians including two women were reported injured in alleged Turkish forces airstrikes on different areas in Qamishli city on October 10th, 2019 according to local media sources and the Kurdish Red Crescent.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

30 years old male injured
30 years old male injured
39 years old male injured
38 years old male injured
45 years old female injured
35 years old female injured
28 years old male injured
19 years old male injured
40 years old male injured
25 years old male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    10
  • 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 city of Qamishli (كوباني), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.889165, 38.353649. 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
    10
  • 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]

Incident Code

TS301

Incident date

October 10, 2019

Location

En route to Girê Spî/ Tal Abyad, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

36.427499, 38.980717 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Subdistrict level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three to five civilians were reported killed and many others injured in an alleged Turkish forces airstrike on a civilians’ convoy on the way from Raqqa to Tal Abyad city, on October 10th 2019, according to local media sources.

The sources said the civilians were heading to Tal Abyad to participate in a protest against the Turkish attacks when their convoy was hit.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Ammar abdu Altaym
18 years old male killed
Ahmad Mohammad Altaym
24 years old male killed

Family members (4)

Bashshar Ahmad Sanjar
19 years old male killed
Ahmad Jasem Alabed
21 years old male killed
Ezzeldeen Abdulaziz Mohammad
18 years old male killed
Ali Moustafa Moustafa
Age unknown male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–10
  • 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 (9) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the subdistrict of En route to Girê Spî/ Tal Abyad, for which the generic coordinates are: 36.427499, 38.980717. 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
    5–10
  • 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 (9) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS305B

Incident date

October 10, 2019

Location

أشميا, Ashmia, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.876248, 38.107721 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian was reported injured in an alleged Turkish forces airstrike or artillery strike on Ashmia village in Kobane – Aleppo governorate on October 10th, 2019 according to local sources (Kurdish Red Crescent).

The injured civilian was named as Shahin Omar Kersh – Age unknown.

No further details are currently available.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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 village of Ashmia (اشميا), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.876248, 38.107721. 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
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS302

Incident date

October 10, 2019

Location

راس العين, Serekaniye, Hasaka, Syria

Geolocation

36.849574, 40.071603 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between five and seven civilians were reported killed and five others injured in an alleged Turkish forces airstrike or artillery attack on Ras Al Ain, Hasakeh, Syria on October 10th 2019, according to local sources.

Kurdish Red Crescent and Violation Documentation Center in North Syria named the seven victims as Ammar Abdo Al-Taym, Ahmed Mohammed Altaym, Bashar Ahmed Sinjar, Ezzeldin Abdul Aziz Mohammed, Ibrahim Ali, Abdulaziz Jassim \ Ras al-Ain

 

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

18 years old male killed
24 years old male killed
19 years old male killed
21 years old male killed
18 years old male killed
Ali Mustafa Mustafa
Age unknown killed
Khalaf Aboud Khalid
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    4
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Serekaniye (راس العين), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.849574, 40.071603. 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
    4
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS306A

Incident date

October 10, 2019

Location

راس العين, Ras al Ain, Hasaka, Syria

Geolocation

36.848579, 40.073576 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two civilians were reported killed in an alleged Turkish forces artillery strike on Ras Al Ain in Hasaka on October 10th 2019, according to local media sources.

According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SN4HR), Khalaf al Habloush and Khatib Sofi Hammi were killed in the attack.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Age unknown male killed
Age unknown male killed
Khalaf Aboud Alkhaled
55 years old Could be same person as Khalaf Abd al Khallouf al Habloushi killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • 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

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Khatib Sofi Hammi reported killed in an alleged Turkish artillery strike on Ras Al Ain, October 10th 2019. (via SN4HR)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Ras Al Ain (رأس العين), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.848579, 40.073576. 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
    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

Sources (4) [ collapse]