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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Turkish Military
Country
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Incident Code

TS600

Incident date

June 12, 2023

Location

A road linking the villages of Herbel with Um Hawsh, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.417702, 37.198600 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One Russian soldier was killed and between three and four other Russian soldiers were injured in an attack on an armoured military personnel carrier allegedly carried out by Turkish forces. The vehicle was moving along a road that connects Herbel and Um Hawsh.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the injured Russians were transported to Afrin hospital and then transferred to another medical facility, though the nature of their injuries are currently unknown; while the Kurdish North Press Agency (NPA) report that 3 were injured in the attack, others such as the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported 4 injured. Images of the vehicle’s remains published by Basenews and NPA display the armoured vehicle with ‘MP’ written on the front laid on its side with extensive damage particularly to the front of the vehicle.

Sources that reported on the incident attributed the strikes to Turkish drones.

The incident occured in the morning.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military
  • Suspected target
    Russian Military
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1
  • Belligerents reported injured
    3–4

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Damaged Russian military vehicle caused by alleged Turkish strikes in Aleppo governorate on June 12, 2023. (Image posted by Basnews)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the road linking Herbel (حربل) and Um Hawsh (أم حوش). Analysing audio-visual material from sources, we have narrowed the location down to the following exact coordinates: 36.417702, 37.198600.

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
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military
  • Suspected target
    Russian Military
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1
  • Belligerents reported injured
    3–4

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS640

Incident date

October 5, 2023

Location

مستشفى كورونا, Corona Hospital, Al Hasakah, Syria

Geolocation

37.151267, 42.110050 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

On 5th October 2023, it was reported by Hawar News and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Press Center that two hospital workers were injured when Turkish airstrikes hit the Corona Hospital in the village of Tel Fara (“Kri Fara” village in Kurdish), within the Derik District.

According to Roz Press and RIC Arabic, the hospital was “destroyed”. On Facebook, RIC Arabic published a video showing images of the destroyed healthcare infrastructure. A crater with piles of rubble can be seen. The same source added the destruction of the building was the result of two alleged Turkish strikes.

The strike hit the hospital in the evening. No further update regarding the status of the injured has been provided.

The incident occured in the evening.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Healthcare facility
  • 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
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Impact
    Healthcare
    Impact on services or infrastructure relating to education, health or food supply. See methodology note for details.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: Rumeilan Today facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Source: F Documentaries facebook

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    Source: F Documentaries facebook

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the Corona Hospital (مستشفى كورونا) in the village of Tel Fara (أخبر فارا), for which the generic coordinates are: 31.549263, 34.525323. 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
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian infrastructure
    Healthcare facility
  • 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
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Impact
    Healthcare
    Impact on services or infrastructure relating to education, health or food supply. See methodology note for details.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS143

Incident date

January 30, 2018

Location

قسطل جندو, Qastal Jando, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.630278, 37.017222 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Rumaf reported alleged Turkish shelling on the outskirts of Qastal Jendo, “causing material damage and injuring civilians, including children.”

No additional details are presently known.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Qastal Jando (قسطل جندو), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.630278, 37.017222. 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

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS174

Incident date

February 9, 2018

Location

شيا عفرين, Shya, Afrin, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.496944, 36.598333 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In a private report to Airwars, the Kurdish Red Crescent named one civilian as injured in an alleged Turkish shelling of Shya.

The type of weapon was not reported.

No further details are currently available.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Hassan Saqid
27 years old male injury to the knee injured

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • 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 town of Shya, Afrin (شيا عفرين), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.496944, 36.598333. 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

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • 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

TS085

Incident date

June 22, 2017

Location

رأس العين ﺍﻟﺮﺍﻭﻳﺔ , al Rawiya village, Ras al Ain, Hassaka, Syria

Geolocation

36.729444, 39.818611 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three civilians were wounded in an alleged Turkish shelling of al Rawiya village, Ras al Ain, according to sources on the ground.

Al Hassaka Rasd reported that “two women and a girl were injured by a shell fired from the Turkish side on the village of #Rawiya in the region of Ras al-Ain in the north-western province of Hasaka, according to the director of Al-Qamishli Hospital”.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also reported the casualties – and pointed towards a Turkish shell.

According to SANA, the Syrian news agency, “two women and one girl were seriously injured by a rocket-propelled grenade fired from Turkish territory on the village of Al-Rawiya in the Ain al-Arab area in the northern countryside of Al-Hasakah last night [June 22nd].”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • 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 (4) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of al Rawiya village, Ras al Ain (رأس العين ﺍﻟﺮﺍﻭﻳﺔ ), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.729444, 39.818611. 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

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • 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 (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS306

Incident date

October 10, 2019

Location

القامشلي, Qadourbek neighborhood, Hasaka, Syria

Geolocation

37.036389, 41.239444 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four civilians including one child and two elderly women were reported killed and nine other civilians injured in an alleged Turkish forces shelling on Qadourbek neighborhood in Qamishli, on October 10th, 2019, according to local media sources.

Mohammed Yousif Hussein was reported killed, and his sister Sara Yousif Hussein, lost a leg in the attack.

Smart News reported: “A child was killed and four civilians, including a girl and a woman, were wounded by Turkish artillery shelling on Thursday in the city of Qamishli (82 km northeast of the city of al-Hasakah) northeast of Syria.”

According to an Amnesty International report, the incident occurred near the Al Salah mosque in Qamishli.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Mohammed Yousif Hussein
11 years old years old male killed
Sara Yousif Hussein
8 years old years old female leg amputation injured

The victims were named as:

Amina Mardini
60-73 years old female killed
Ahmad Abu Rana
Age unknown male killed
Abdulghani Bashir
Age unknown male shrapnel in the head injured
Bashira Kabsho بشيرة كبشو
Adult female elderly woman killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (1 child2 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    9
  • 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 (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (13) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Sara Yousif lost her leg in an alleged Turkish forces shelling on Qamihsli, October 10th, 2019 (via @zana_medi)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Mohamed Yousif Hussein was reported killed and his sister Sarah was reported injured in an alleged Turkish forces shelling on Qamishli, October 10th, 2019. (via @RudawEnglish)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child reported killed in an alleged Turkish forces shelling on Qamishli, October 10th 2019. (via @BaxtiyarGoran)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Video of the surgery

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A 60 year old civilian was reported killed in an alleged Turkish forces shelling on Qadourbek neighborhood in Qamishli , October 10th 2019. (via @NPA_SY)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    8 years old Sarah Yousif Hussein lost her leg in an alleged Turkish forces shelling on Qidorbak in Qamishli, October 10th 2019 (via @mutludc).
  • Image showing where an alleged Turkish forces shelling on Qidorbak in Qamishli happened, October 10th 2019 (via @khabat_abas)
  • Image showing where an alleged Turkish forces shelling on Qidorbak in Qamishli happened, October 10th 2019 (via @khabat_abas)
  • Image showing where an alleged Turkish forces shelling on Qidorbak in Qamishli happened, October 10th 2019 (via @khabat_abas)
  • Image showing where an alleged Turkish forces shelling on Qidorbak in Qamishli happened, October 10th 2019 (via @khabat_abas)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • Muhammad Yousef Hussein (11 - 13 yrs old) killed in alleged Turkish forces shelling on Qamishli - October 10th 2019, (via SN4HR)
  • Photo of Sarah Yusuf Husein (8) in the hospital, after the alleged Turkish airstrike in Qamishli on October 10th 2019, that killed her brother Mohammed (12). Sara lost her leg (via Hawar News).

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Qadourbek neighborhood (القامشلي), for which the generic coordinates are: 37.036389, 41.239444. 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
    4
  • (1 child2 women1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    9
  • 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 (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS338

Incident date

October 13, 2019

Location

عين العرب , Kobane, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.890678, 38.350390 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two civilians were reported injured in an alleged Turkish bombing on Kobane.

ANHA reported: “Two civilians were injured due to the bombardment of the invading Turkish army against Kobanê.

The invading Turkish army continues to bomb civilian settlements.

In the bombing of Turkish soldiers in Kobanê, Cemîl Ehmed Ehmed (65) and Rûhilat Yildiz (20) were wounded.

The wounded were taken to the hospital for treatment. It was learned that their condition was good.”

There is currently no further information available.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Cemîl Ehmed Ehmed
65 years old female injured
Rûhilat Yildiz
20 years old female injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • 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
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Picture of one of the alleged victims (via ANHA)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Kobane (عين العرب ), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.890678, 38.350390. 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
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • 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
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS362

Incident date

October 22, 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 civilians were wounded in alleged Turkish sniper fire in Ras Al Ain.

Rojava Information Center tweeted: “Last night two refugee civilians in Til Temir tried to travel back into Sere Kaniye to check on their shop, now in the hands of Turkish-backed jihadi forces. A sniper opened fire on them and they came off their motorbike, suffering injuries”.

ANFEnglish added: “According to reports from the ground, residents of Serekaniye, who returned to the city to check their homes, were targeted by snipers of the occupation forces.” The report said that two civilians were injured in the attacks.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Maher Abdo Saadoun
35 years old injured
Adnan Abdul Aziz Gomaa
36 years old male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A civilian receives treatment following an alleged Turkish sniper fire in Ras al Ain, October 22nd (via ANHA)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A civilian receives treatment following an alleged Turkish sniper fire in Ras al Ain, October 22nd (via ANHA)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A civilian receives treatment following an alleged Turkish sniper fire in Ras al Ain, October 22nd (via ANHA)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A civilian receives treatment following an alleged Turkish sniper fire in Ras al Ain, October 22nd (via ANHA)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A civilian receives treatment following an alleged Turkish sniper fire in Ras al Ain, October 22nd (via ANHA)
  • 9th to 30th of october doc

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
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • 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]