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

TS436

Incident date

May 17, 2020

Location

دير غصن, Deir Ghosn, Hassakah, Syria

Geolocation

37.105027, 41.803837 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

According to the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), a civilian was killed when allegedly Turkish forces opened fire on farmers in Deir Ghosn in Hasaka, Syria on May 17th, 2020.

SANA said that “local sources told SANA’s reporter in Hasaka that at Sunday afternoon, Turkish occupation forces opened fire at farmers working in their fields in Deir Ghosn near the Turkish borders, killing one of the farmers.”

@NadiaAbidd wrote that “a civilian was shot dead by the #Turkish occupation forces while he was working on his farmland west of Al Malikiyah town in #Hasaka countryside.”

No more details are available at the moment.

The incident occured in the afternoon.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    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 attacker
    Turkish Military
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Deir Ghosn (تل تمر), for which the generic coordinates are: 37.105027, 41.803837. 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
    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 attacker
    Turkish Military
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS437

Incident date

May 19, 2020

Location

عرب حسن كبير, Arab Hassan Kabir, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.649744, 37.848683 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A civilian was injured in artillery strikes by alleged Turkish-backed mercenaries on the village of Arab Hassan Kabir, Aleppo governorate, on May 19th, 2020, according to local sources.

Hawar News reported that as a result of shelling by Turkish-backed mercenaries, the 30-year-old Mohammed Hajj Hussein Al Khalaf was wounded. Medical staff told Hawar News that the man “suffered a slight head and foot injury, while the abdominal area was seriously injured, resulting in liver tear and internal bleeding, and the necessary operations were performed while he was under intensive care.”

Hawar News spoke to the uncle of the victim, Ali Al Khalaf, who stated: “We were sleeping in our homes and the shelling started at 5 am.” According to Al Khalaf, six shells landed on the village, destroying civilian homes. The victim’s uncle left the house when the shelling stopped, finding that his nephew had been wounded and taken to the city of Manbij, adding that one of the shells hit the wall of the house of his nephew.

Rojava Network reported that “Turkish-backed terror groups shelled the village Arab Hassan Kabir with mortars, wounding one civilian, in addition to material damage.”

The incident occured at approximately 5:00 am local time.

The victims were named as:

Mohammed Hajj Hussein Al Khalaf
30 years old male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • Ali Al Khalaf, the uncle of Mohammed Hajj Hussein Al Khalaf, who was injured in alleged Turkish-backed artillery strikes on the village of Arab Hassan Kabir on May 19th, 2020, was interviewed by Hawar News (via Hawar News).
  • Mohammed Hajj Hussein Al Khalaf was injured in alleged Turkish-backed artillery strikes on the village of Arab Hassan Kabir on May 19th, 2020 (via Hawar News).

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Arab Hassan Kabir (عرب حسن كبير), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.649744, 37.848683. 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
    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
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS438

Incident date

May 20, 2020

Location

Şiyûx, Kobane, Syria

Geolocation

36.760479, 38.068657 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two civilians were reportedly injured in alleged Turkish artillery strikes on the village of Shiyûx, Aleppo governorate, on May 20th, 2020, according to local sources.

ANF reported that the Turkish army had targeted the village with artillery strikes, leading to the injury of two civilians, adding that “the western region of Kobanê has been bombed by the invading Turkish army and mercenaries stationed in Jarablus for four days.”

@Raman_Hassi also reported two injured civilians as the result of Turkish strikes.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    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 (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Şiyûx, for which the generic coordinates are: 36.760479, 38.068657. 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
    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 (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TI038C

Incident date

June 19, 2020

Location

آناه, Anah, Erbil, Syria

Geolocation

36.673265, 45.045489 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Rudaw.net reported that a civilian was killed in alleged Turkish shelling on the village of Anah in Hajj Omran in Erbil on June 19th, 2020.

The source said that “the Turkish shelling targeted the village of Anah in Hajj Omran in the district of Joman in the governorate of Erbil, killing a shepherd, bringing the number to four victims, within 24 hours only.”

No further information on this incident is available.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Anah (انه), allegedly located in the vicinity of Hajj Omran (حاجي عمران). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Hajj Omran are: 36.673265, 45.045489.

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS439

Incident date

June 23, 2020

Location

Helincê, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.853527, 38.379450 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three women were killed in alleged Turkish drone strikes on a civilian residence in the Kurdish village of Helincê, Aleppo governorate, on June 23rd, 2020, according to local sources. Two civilians were wounded.

Kurdistan24 reported that “a Turkish drone strike on Tuesday evening killed three civilian females at a residence in the village of Helincê, located outside the northern Syrian city of Kobani, according to local security forces.”

@ElhamAhmadSDC reported that the three women were active as women’s rights activists. ANF identified two of the victims as Zehra Berkel and Emine Veysi. Hawar News reported that Berkel was a coordinating member of the Kongra Star women’s movement. Reportedly, it was Veysi’s house that was targeted. The third victim was identified as Mizgin Xelil.

According to @DefteraRes, two other civilians were wounded.

The General Command of the Kurdish-led Internal Security Forces (ISF) wrote in an official statement: “We in the General Command of the Internal Security Forces (ISF) for Northeast Syria condemn the crimes of the Turkish occupation against our people and we also call on the International Coalition and the Russian Federation to do their duty.”

All sources blamed Turkey for the attack.

The incident occured in the evening.

The victims were named as:

Zehra Berkel
30 years old female coordinating member of the Kongra Star women’s movement killed
Emine Veysi
Adult female killed
Mizgin Xelil
Adult female killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    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
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (19) [ collapse]

  • The victims of the alleged Turkish drone strike on Helincê on June 23rd, 2020 (via @ElhamAhmadSDC).
  • Damaged civilian property after alleged Turkish drone strikes on Helincê on June 23rd, 2020 (via ANF).
  • Zehra Berkel (30) was killed in alleged Turkish drone strikes on Helincê on June 23rd, 2020 (via ANF).
  • Zehra Berkel (30) was killed in alleged Turkish drone strikes on Helincê on June 23rd, 2020 (via ANF).
  • Translation: "Three women were killed today by the bombing of a Turkish drone in Kobani, who were active in defense of women's rights. All this hatred hidden from the Turkish authorities to confront Kurdish women. She is afraid of the greatness of these women, so she targets them. Stop Erdogan's crimes" (via @ElhamAhmadSDC).
  • Translation: "Three civilians were martyred as a result of the bombardment of the occupier Turkish state army planes on the village of Helencê in Kobanê" (via @kendal77cudi).
  • Destroyed civilian home after alleged Turkish drone strikes on Helincê on June 23rd, 2020 (via @kendal77cudi).
  • Damage after alleged Turkish drone strikes on Helincê on June 23rd, 2020 (via @kendal77cudi).
  • An alleged Turkish drone strike targeted a civilian home in Helincê on June 23rd, 2020 (via @baxtiyarumut).
  • Rubble after alleged Turkish drone strikes on Helincê on June 23rd, 2020 (via @baxtiyarumut).
  • One of the victims of alleged Turkish drone strikes on Helincê on June 23rd, 2020 (via Hawar News).
  • Aftermath of alleged Turkish drone strikes on Helincê on June 23rd, 2020 (via VDCSY).
  • Statement on the alleged Turkish drone strike on Helincê on June 23rd, 2020, by the Syrian Democratic Council (via @Rojavanetwork).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Helincê, for which the generic coordinates are: 36.853527, 38.379450. 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, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3
  • (3 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    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
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS440

Incident date

July 16, 2020

Location

1km من مركز مدينة الدرباسية, 1KM from Al Darbasiyah city centre, Hassakah, Syria

Geolocation

37.063942, 40.652917 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Street level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian was allegedly by a Turkish drone strike on Ad Darbasiyah.

ANHA wrote: “At about 10:00 a.m., a Turkish airliner was believed to have bombed one of the city’s points, 1 km from the center of Ad-Derbasiyah district on Ad-Derbasiyah-al-Hasakah road.

The shelling resulted in a civilian injury, from the people of Amouda, and works in the industry with minor injuries, according to a reporter from ANHA agency in the district.  That after medical assistance, the wounded man returned to his home and is in stable condition.”

Wladimir also tweeted that one civilian was injured.

The incident occured at approximately 10:00 am local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    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
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Damage allegedly caused by Turkish drone strike on Ad Darbasiyah on July 16th, 2020 (via Wladimir)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the road between Al Darbasiyah (الدرباسية) and Al Hassakah (الحسكة‎) being struck approximately 1km away from the city centre of Al Darbasiyah. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The coordinates for this approximate location are: 37.063942, 40.652917.

  • Reports of the incident mention the road between Al Darbasiyah (الدرباسية) and Al Hassakah (الحسكة‎) being struck approximately 1km away from the city centre of Al Darbasiyah.

    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
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    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
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS441

Incident date

July 16, 2020

Location

الدرباسية, Ad Darbasiyah, Hassakah, Syria

Geolocation

37.063375, 40.655364 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between one and three civilians were allegedly injured by a Turkish drone or mortar strike on Ad Darbasiyah.

Woofers tweeted: “Casualties reported (all injuries) are two Russian soldiers, a Syrian soldier, and a local civilian.

It would seem that the local civilian casualty may not exist and may be the Syrian soldier who may have been out of uniform.

No one I’ve spoken to has seen the reported UAV. I don’t know if it really was an airstrike. But everyone is reporting it as one.”

Rudaw reported: “At least one Russian soldier was injured in a drone attack in Darbasiyah town in northeast Syria (Rojava) on Thursday, according to Kurdish security forces (Asayesh) who blamed Turkey for the incident in which civilians were also hurt.

‘Turkish planes targeted a Russian forces point in the vicinity of Darbasiyah,’ read a statement from the Asayesh. ‘A drone, which belongs to the invading army, targeted a Russian forces military point on Thursday.’

‘A Russian soldier and three civilians were injured,’ stated the Asayesh, describing the site that was hit as a ‘strategic coordination point one kilometre south of Darbasiyah town on the road to Hasakah city.”

Other sources did not report civilian harm and said that at least two Russian soldiers and possibly one Syrian regime soldier were injured.

Nina described the attack as a “kamikaze drone strike” on Twitter.

Zafer Kabaoglu said three Russian soldiers and two YPG members were injured.

Rob Leee pointed out that the pictures of the munition used rather looks like a mortar round than Turkish drone missiles.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    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
  • Suspected target
    Other
  • Belligerents reported injured
    2–5

Sources (23) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (13) [ collapse]

  • Soldier allegedly injured by Turkish drone on Ad Darsabiyah on July 16th, 2020 (via ZOKA)
  • Aftermath of alleged Turkish drone attack on Ad Darsabiyah on July 16th, 2020 (via ZOKA)
  • Soldier allegedly injured by Turkish drone on Ad Darsabiyah on July 16th, 2020 (via ZOKA)
  • Soldier allegedly injured by Turkish drone on Ad Darsabiyah on July 16th, 2020 (via ZOKA)
  • Aftermath of alleged Turkish drone attack on Ad Darsabiyah on July 16th, 2020 (via SOHR)
  • Munition used in alleged Turkish drone attack on Ad Darsabiyah on July 16th, 2020 (via SOHR)
  • Aftermath of alleged Turkish drone attack on Ad Darsabiyah on July 16th, 2020 (via SOHR)
  • Aftermath of alleged Turkish drone attack on Ad Darsabiyah on July 16th, 2020 (via SOHR)
  • Munition used in alleged Turkish drone attack on Ad Darsabiyah on July 16th, 2020 (via SOHR)
  • Munition used in alleged Turkish drone attack on Ad Darsabiyah on July 16th, 2020 (via ZOKA)
  • Munition used in alleged Turkish drone attack on Ad Darsabiyah on July 16th, 2020 (via ZOKA)
  • Munition used in alleged Turkish drone attack on Ad Darsabiyah on July 16th, 2020 (via ZOKA)

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention a Russia military checkpoint or area approximately 1km outside from Al Darbasiyah (الدرباسية). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. A possible location for this strike, that matches the type of building within the audio-visual material, is at these coordinates: 37.063375, 40.655364.

  • Reports of the incident mention a Russia military checkpoint or area approximately 1km outside from Al Darbasiyah (الدرباسية).

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

  • A possible location for this strike, that matches the type of building within the audio-visual material.

    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
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    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
  • Suspected target
    Other
  • Belligerents reported injured
    2–5

Sources (23) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS442

Incident date

July 20, 2020

Location

جرنك, Gerenke, Hassakah, Syria

Geolocation

37.069256, 41.269203 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between two and three civilians were allegedly injured by Turkish shelling on Qamishli.

Syriacpress wrote: “A Syriac Press correspondent in Zalin reported that Turkish forces targeted the city center with a missile in the morning.

Our correspondent declared that the Turkish missile landed in Roj Garage, injuring two civilians who were transferred to a nearby hospital for treatment.”

Rojava Network tweeted: “The Turkish occupation army randomly shelled the city Qamişlo with a mortar. 2 civilians were wounded and are under good conditions. Russian forces has sent a military delegation to the impact location.”

Kongra Star Women’s Movement Rojava, Ronahi tv and Rudaw put the casualty toll at three injured. Rudaw added: “Faisal Osman, a resident of the neighborhood, told Rudaw on Monday that Turkish artillery targeted the neighborhood and wounded three civilians.

‘At 9:30 am on Monday, Turkish artillery shelled our area; it resulted in wounding three civilians, and damaging civilian cars,’ Osman claimed. ‘We are all civilians here.'”

The incident occured at 09:30:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Ibrahim Jolly
50 years old male injured
Talal Seeno
40 years old male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–3
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Car allegedly damaged by Turkish shelling on Qamishli on July 20th, 2020 (via ANHA)
  • Car allegedly damaged by Turkish shelling on Qamishli on July 20th, 2020 (via ANHA)
  • Car allegedly damaged by Turkish shelling on Qamishli on July 20th, 2020 (via ANHA)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention Roj Garage being struck in the Gerenke (جرنك) area, north east of Qamishli (قامشلي). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for this area are: 37.069256, 41.269203.

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
    2–3
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (11) [ collapse]