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

TS368

Incident date

October 26, 2019

Location

بطون رأس العين عند تل تمر , Xirbet Qerac, Xirbet Qerac, between Ras Al Ayn and Tal Tamr, Hassakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.743852, 40.196907 Note: The accuracy of this location is to District level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One woman was reported killed and four others injured in an alleged artillery attack by Turkey-backed militants in Kherbet Qerac, between Ras al-Ain and Tal Temir on October 26th, 2019 according to local sources.

The victim, aged 30, was identified by ANHA and other sources as Khewla Khidir Deham. According to ANF and @baxtiyarumut, Khewla left behind her four children, including a six-month- infant.

According to the Kurdish Red Crescent, the four injured civilians include a child aged 15.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

30 years old female A Mother killed
Teyseer Hassan Hawas
19 years old male Trauma injured
Muhammad Hassan Hawas
15 years old male Trauma injured
Hussein Omar Hawas
60 years old male Trauma injured
Mariyam Khalaf Muhammad
55 years old female Gun shots injured

Summary

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

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • One woman was reported killed allegedly by Turkey-backed forces in Xerbet Qerac, between Ras al-Ain and Tal Temir on October 26. 2019 (via ANHA)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    One woman was reported killed allegedly by Turkey-backed forces in Kherbet Qerac, between Ras al-Ain and Tal Temir on October 26. 2019 (via ANHA)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    One woman was reported killed allegedly by Turkey-backed forces in Kherbet Qerac, between Ras al-Ain and Tal Temir on October 26. 2019 (via ANHA)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the village of Xirbet Qerac, allegedly located between Ras Al Ayn (رأس العين‎) and Tal Tamr (تل تمر‎). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for a middle point between these locations are: 36.743852, 40.196907.

  • Reports of the incident mention the village of Xirbet Qerac, allegedly located between Ras Al Ayn (رأس العين‎) and Tal Tamr (تل تمر‎).

    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 woman)
  • 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 attackers
    Turkish Military, Free Syrian Army

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS370a

Incident date

October 26, 2019

Location

كوباني, Kobane, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

One civilian aged 17, named as Ahmad Khaled, was reported injured by an alleged Turkish forces attack on Kobane in Aleppo governorate – Syria on October 26th, 2019, according to the Kurdish Red Crescent.

No more details available at the moment.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ahmad Khaled
17 years old male injured

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]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Kobane (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
    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

TS369

Incident date

October 26, 2019

Location

الأسدية, Al Assadiya, Hassakah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

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

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

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

55 years old female injured
Age unknown male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

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

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS370

Incident date

October 26, 2019

Location

أبو هيا, Abu Haya, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

36.591618, 38.702860 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A civilian aged 80 was reported injured after being shot allegedly by Turkey-back militants in Abu Haya, Tal Abyad in Raqqa Governorate on October 26th, 2019 according to local sources.

The civilian was identified as Jesus Khelil who according to ANF News, was shot in front of his house. Other sources said the civilian was going towards Meqtera village grazing his sheep, when he was shot.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

80 years old male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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, Free Syrian Army

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • An 80 year- old civilian was reported shot dead by Turkey backed militants in Abu Heye, Tal Abyad in Raqqa on October 26 2019 (via ANF)
  • 80 year-old man injured after being allegedly shot in front of his house by Turkey-backed militants in Ras Al Ain (via ANHA)
  • An 80 year old civilian allegedly shot by Turkish forces or Turkey-backed militants in Raqqa on October 26th, 2019 (Via ANHA)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Abu Haya (أبو هيا), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.591618, 38.702860. 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

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
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • 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, Free Syrian Army

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS366

Incident date

October 25, 2019

Location

Rajm/Recman, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

36.387064, 38.862501 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Subdistrict level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to six civilians of the same family, including three or four children aged between four and 10, were reported injured in an alleged Turkish forces artillery attack on Rajm village, north of Ayn Issa in Raqqa Governorate, on October 25th, 2019, according to local sources.

ANF said the family which was attacked consists of the father Ehmed Mihemed Alî, the mother Senaa Mihemed Alî and their four children Mihemed, Mehmûd, Cudî and Mustafa.

The attack took place in spite of the ceasefire between Turkey and the YPG, and according to sources, the family was traveling in their car when the attack happened.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (6)

male injured
female injured
Child male injured
Child male
Child female injured
Child male

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • 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

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (10) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Child injured in an alleged Turkish forces artillery attack on Rajm, north of Ayn Issa in Raqqa on October 25th 2019. (Via ANHA)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Child injured in an alleged Turkish forces artillery attack on Rajm, north of Ayn Issa in Raqqa on October 25th 2019. (Via ANHA)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Child injured in an alleged Turkish forces artillery attack on Rajm, north of Ayn Issa in Raqqa on October 25th 2019. (Via ANHA)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Civilian injured in an alleged Turkish forces artillery attack on Rajm, north of Ayn Issa in Raqqa on October 25th 2019. (Via ANHA)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Child injured in an alleged Turkish forces artillery attack on Rajm, north of Ayn Issa in Raqqa on October 25th 2019. (Via ANHA)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Child injured in an alleged Turkish forces artillery attack on Rajm, north of Ayn Issa in Raqqa on October 25th 2019. (Via ANHA)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Child injured in an alleged Turkish forces artillery attack on Rajm, north of Ayn Issa in Raqqa on October 25th 2019. (Via ANHA)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Family whole members injured in an alleged Turkish forces artillery attack on Rajm, north of Ayn Issa in Raqqa on October 25th 2019. (Via ANHA)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Child injured in an alleged Turkish forces artillery attack on Rajm, north of Ayn Issa in Raqqa on October 25th 2019. (Via ANHA)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village or Rajm/Recman, allegedly north of Ain Issa (عين عيسى). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Ain issa are: 36.387064, 38.862501.

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
    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

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS367

Incident date

October 25, 2019

Location

Menacîr, Hassakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.685491, 40.197258 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two civilians were reported injured in an alleged Turkish forces attack on Menacîr, Ras Al Ain in Hassakah Governorate on October 25th, 2019, according to local sources.

 

The incident occured in the afternoon.

Summary

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

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • A wounded civilian following an alleged Turkish attack on Menajir, Ras al-Ain, Oct 25th.
  • One of two civilians reported injured in an alleged Turkish forces attack on Menajir, Ras al-Ain on 25 October 2019 (via ANHA)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Menacîr, for which the generic coordinates are: 36.685491, 40.197258. 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
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS365

Incident date

October 24, 2019

Location

السلوك, Suluk, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

36.597801, 39.127185 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One health worker and two nurses working for Al Suluk hospital – Tal Abyad in Raqqa were reported kidnapped then killed allegedly by Turkey-backed militants (FSA/SNA) on October 24th, 2019, according to local media sources.

ANHA and ANF named one of the victims as Mihemed Bozan Seîdî. ANHA said the members of Al Nusra kidnapped and killed the three health workers.

The Kurdish Red Crescent identified the two nurses as Hevi Khalil and Mediya Khalil (both females, age unknown).

ANF said bodies of the victims were found in sewers.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Age unknown male killed
Hevi Khalil
Age unknown female killed
Mediya Khalil
Age unknown female killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (1–3 healthcare_personnel)
  • 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 (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Suluk (سلوك‎), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.597801, 39.127185. 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
    3
  • (1–3 healthcare_personnel)
  • 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 (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS365a

Incident date

October 24, 2019

Location

تل تمر, Tal Tamr, Hassakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.655309, 40.372388 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to the Kurdish Red Crescent, one civilian aged 58 was injured in an alleged Turkish forces attack on Tal Tamr in Hasaka governorate – Syria on October 24th, 2019. No more details currently available.

@DrMWilk reported that “four seriously injured people” were brought to the hospital in Tal Tamr.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–4
  • 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 (3) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Tal Tamr (تل تمر), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.655309, 40.372388. 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
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–4
  • 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 (3) [ collapse]