Turkish Military in Iraq & Syria

Turkish Military in Iraq & Syria

An internally displaced Kurdish family in northern Iraq, 2016 (Maranie R. Staab)

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Incident Code

TS355

Incident date

October 17, 2019

Location

رأس العين, Ras Al Ain, Hassakah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Two or three civilians were reportedly executed by Turkish-supported forces in Ras Al Ain.

@RodiSad tweeted “Photos of killed civilians in RasAl-Ain, who were field-executed on the Hasakah road. The field execution was obvious and was carried out on October 17th by Turkish-backed Sultan Murat militias. One of the killed is a friend of mine. He is civilian used to own a cafeteria that I used to go”.

@sincan2023 tweeted “Member of #Turkey-led Sultan Murad islamist group, called Haytham, killed a civilian from Ras Al-Ain, called his wife and asked her to return to the city or #Turkey, he also sent her his photo with victim phone in front of him.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mustafa Ahmad Sino
Adult male killed
Rasho
Adult male killed
Shiyar Mahmoud Osman
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 3
  • (2–3 men)
  • 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 (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

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
    Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 3
  • (2–3 men)
  • 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 (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS347

Incident date

October 16, 2019

Location

رأس العين, Ras Al Ain, Hassakah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

“Many” civilians were killed and wounded in alleged Turkish air, artillery and  phosphorus attacks on Ras al-Ain, according to local media.

TEV-DEM Executive Board Member Aldar Xelîl said that banned weapons containing phosphorus and napalm were used by the Turkish state today in Serêkaniy.

Hawarnews added: The attack killed a number of civilians remaining in the city and left lives of hundreds at risk.”

According to ANF, “Violent clashes took place, and the invading Turkish state used banned weapons such as phosphorus, air strikes and artillery shots.

The civilians remaining in the city are the targets of the bombing. Many civilians are martyred or injured. While the occupiers prevented the wounded from being transported to hospitals by keeping the entrance of the city, Turkish planes aimed at ambulances.”

Faris Hemo, Doctor of Hesekê Public Hospital, told ANHA: “When we look at the cases that came today [Oct 16th], we saw that the burns were different. Although we cannot determine exactly which weapon burns, we can say that the Turkish state uses chemical weapons.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 5
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–10
  • Causes of injury / death
    Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN), 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 (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Children burnt from alleged use of phosphorus by Turkish forces.
  • A child injured in alleged Turkey use of chemical weapons (via ANF)

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
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 5
  • Civilians reported injured
    5–10
  • Causes of injury / death
    Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear (CBRN), 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 (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS348

Incident date

October 16, 2019

Location

رفح, Rafha, Hassakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.671052, 39.143708 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

“Many” civilians died and “more than 50” were wounded in alleged Turkish artillery strikes on Rafha village, local media said.

According to @ HiwaDilan_71, “Groups of gangs affiliated with the occupying Turkish state bombed a village inhabited by Arab citizens in Girê Spî. Many civilians have died, including more than 50 people hospitalized, including women, children and the elderly.”

@nazimodas posted footage of “a father whose son died in the bombing.”

Politika noted howitzer fire.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5 – 10
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    50
  • 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 (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    "A father whose son died in the bombing."
  • Wounded civilians in Rafha village, Tal Abyad, Oct 16th (via Politika)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Rafha (رفح), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.671052, 39.143708. 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
    5 – 10
  • (1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    50
  • 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 (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS350a

Incident date

October 16, 2019

Location

المالحة, Al Malha, Hassakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.653065, 39.984999 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

@NPA_English tweeted: “A civilian woman from al-Malha village in the southern countryside of Ras al-Ain (Sere Kaniye) has arrived at Tal Tamr Hospital due to being shot by Turkey-backed armed militias”.

The Kurdish Red Crescent named the victim as Lamees Ali Assaf, a female aged 14 from Serekaniye”, adding that she was shot.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Lamees Ali Assaf
14 years old female injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • 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 (3) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Malha (المالحة), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.653065, 39.984999. 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
    Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • 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

Incident Code

TS349

Incident date

October 16, 2019

Location

Xanike ، بين ‎الدرباسية و عامودا‎, Xanike, between Dirbêsiyê and Amûde, Hassakah, Syria

Geolocation

37.095082, 40.774808 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Subdistrict level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

@c1wan tweeted: “A civilian martyr was killed in the village of Xanike between Dirbêsiyê and Amûde as a result of the cannon shootings of the Turkish army.”

@dersm_arin also reported one civilian death.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the village of Xanike, allegedly between the cities of Dirbêsiyê (‎الدرباسية) and Amûdê (عامودا‎).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 two locations are: 37.095082, 40.774808.

  • Reports of the incident mention the village of Xanike, allegedly between the cities of Dirbêsiyê (‎الدرباسية) and Amûdê (عامودا‎).

    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
  • 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 (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS350

Incident date

October 16, 2019

Location

مشرفة, Musharrafa, Hasakah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

@NPA_English tweeted: “Two civilians were abducted, a third injured, by Turkish-backed armed militants, in village of Musharrafa, in the outskirts of Sere-Kaniye (Ras al-Ain), while they were returning to the city.”

Other sources also noted that three civilians were kidnapped “by armed mercenaries supported by Turkey” and that one was wounded.

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
    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 (3) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Musharrafa (مشرفة), 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
    Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • 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 (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS350d

Incident date

October 16, 2019

Location

راس العين, Ras Al Ain, Hassakah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

The Kurdish Red Crescent reported that up to seven civilians, including two children,  were injured in an alleged Turkish forces attack on Ras Al Ayn, Hassakah in Syria on October 16th, 2019.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ebrahim Salih Baker
43 years old male Trauma injured
Amira Maamo
60 years old female Trauma injured
Shahnaz Maamo
14 years old female Trauma injured
Jazya al Ali
45 years old female broken legs injured
Sarah Suleiman Hassan
20 years old female Trauma injured
Ammar Issa Muhammad
3 years old male injured
Osama Ebrahim al Awad
21 years old male Trauma injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    7
  • 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 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
    Single source claim
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    7
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS350C

Incident date

October 16, 2019

Location

رأس العين, Ras Al Ain, Hassakah, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

Four civilians were reported injured after being shot on October 16th, 2019 according to local sources.

Other sources also reported “a violent attack by Turkish-backed armed factions on top of  Ras Al Ain”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Muhammad Khalaf
30 years old male injured
Eyad ahmad
19 years old male injured
Hozan Ahmad
19 years old male injured
Ali Dawood
22 years old male injured

Summary

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

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

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

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
    4
  • 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 (3) [ collapse]