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

TS422

Incident date

March 25, 2020

Location

سكرية, Sukariya, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

36.660833, 38.843889 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to nine civilians including a child were injured when Members of Faylaq al-Majd of the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army shelled Sukariya village which is located 13km west of Tal Abyad, Raqqa, Syria on March 25th, 2020 according to local sources.

NPA claimed that the Syrian National Army stormed the village with several bombs after the attempted to rob sheep belonging to Ibrahim Musa al-Ali, a resident in the village but where faced with resistance from villagers. “After the reluctance of the people, skirmishes with light weapons took place between them and the militants of Faylaq al-Majd; the latter threw bombs at the people, injuring four. The injuries were critical and they were transported to Turkish territory.”

The injury toll was raised to nine by @haraldpflueger quoting SANA, the Syrian Arab News Agency which is affiliated with the Syrian regime.

Four of the injuries were described as ‘severe’.

The incident occured in the evening.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–9
  • 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 (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports on the incident mention the village of Sukariya (سكرية) for which the generic coordinates are: 36.660833, 38.843889. 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
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–9
  • 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 (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS423

Incident date

March 25, 2020

Location

تل أبيض, Tal Abyad, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

36.691373, 38.949966 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

@NPA_English reported on March 25th 2020 that “A child was killed and two others seriously injured in a mine explosion that was planted [last night] by Turkish-backed armed groups in the village of Zaytouna in Tal-Abyad countryside, northern Raqqa.”

No further details are available.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attackers
    Turkish Military, Unknown, Free Syrian Army

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Zaytouna (زيتونة) in the countryside of Tal Abyad (تل أبيض), for which the generic coordinates of the latter are: 36.691373 38.949966.  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

Unknown Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Unknown
  • Unknown 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
    Single source claim
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attackers
    Turkish Military, Unknown, Free Syrian Army

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS424

Incident date

March 26, 2020

Location

تل رفعت , Tal Rifaat, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.472576, 37.096272 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two civilians were reported injured when Turkish forces stationed near Azaz fired several rockets on Tal Rifa’at in Aleppo, Syria on March 26th, 2020. The injured civilians are IDPs originally from Afrin living in Tal Rifa’at.

@NadiaAbidd reported that “Two civilians were injured in Tel Rifaat city as a result of rocket fire from the Turkish armed forces positioned in the Azaz area.”

Afrin Post said the city was bombed with shells and heavy weapons. One of the injured civilians was identified as Abd al-Rahman Ibrahim, aged 33.

Also according to Rojava Information Center on Twitter, five shells struck down the city of Tal Rifa’at. In addition to injuring the two civilians, the shelling resulted in damaging a water pipe feeding the city which left around 25,000 people without drinking water.

 

The incident occured around midday.

The victims were named as:

Abd al-Rahman Ibrahim
33 years old male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • 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

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Tal Rifaat (تل رفعت) for which the generic coordinates are: 36.472576 37.096272. 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
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • 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

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS425

Incident date

March 30, 2020

Location

عرب حسن كبير‎, Arab Hassan Kabir, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.649444, 37.847778 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A girl was killed and her parents were injured in heavy artillery shelling by alleged Turkey-backed factions on the village of Arab Hasan, Aleppo governorate, on March 30th, 2020, according to local sources.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that it had “monitored this evening [March 3, 2020] heavy artillery shelling by Turkish-backed factions, targeting the village of Arab Hasan, north of Manbij city, killing a little girl and seriously injuring her father.”

According to @NotWoofers, 6-year-old Yasmin Hussein Al Hajji was killed in the incident. Her parents Amina Ibrahim and Hussein Abed Al Hajji were reportedly wounded and treated in Manbij hospital. @vdcnsy stated the girl had been 5 years old.

Hawar News reported that, according to the Media Center of Manbij Military Council, “the Turkish occupation army and its mercenaries stationed at the Turkish base in the village of Arab Hassen Saghir bombed the village of Arab Hassen Kabir, a densely populated village, with shells and rockets, this evening, as several shells landed on the civilian homes.”

All sources blamed Turkish-backed forces for the incident.

The incident occured in the evening.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Yasmin Hussein Al Hajji
6 years old female killed
Amina Ibrahim
Adult female injured
Hussein Abed Al Hajji
Adult male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • 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

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Damage in a civilian home after artillery strikes by alleged Turkish-backed factions on the village of Arab Hassan Kabir on March 30th, 2020 (via @NotWoofers).
  • Damage in a civilian home after artillery strikes by alleged Turkish-backed factions on the village of Arab Hassan Kabir on March 30th, 2020 (via @NotWoofers).
  • Photo of a civilian home after alleged artillery strikes by alleged Turkish-backed factions on the village of Arab Hassan Kabir on March 30th, 2020 (via @vdcnsy).
  • Hole in the wall of a civilian home after alleged artillery strikes by alleged Turkish-backed factions on the village of Arab Hassan Kabir on March 30th, 2020 (via @vdcnsy).

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Arab Hassan Kabir (عرب حسن كبير‎) for which the generic coordinates are: 36.649444 37.847778. 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
    1
  • (1 child)
  • 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

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS426

Incident date

April 1, 2020

Location

ربيعات, Rabiaat, Hasaka, Syria

Geolocation

36.820000, 40.333333 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four civilians were injured in artillery strikes on the village of Rabiaat, near Abu Rasin/Zarkan area on April 1st, 2020. Local sources blamed Turkish forces and/or Turkish-backed factions.

Hawar News reported that “the Turkish occupation army and its mercenaries returned to shelling Zarkan area and its countryside with missiles and rockets intensively this evening”, resulting in four injured civilians.

Hawar added that the names of the victims are Muhammed Khader Sayeil (40), Haitham Yousef Wazou (25), Jaziya Ali (30) and Yassin Ramadan (25).

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that “a family of four was injured as a result of shelling by Turkish forces and proxy factions on the village of Rabia’at in rural Abu Rassin”, but other sources to do not mention a possible family band between the victims, nor do the reported victims share surnames.

According to Kurdistan24, “Turkish-backed radical groups hit the town of Zirgan [Zarkan], also known as Abu Rasin, about 20 kilometres east of Serekaniye, by mortar shells, which wounded several civilians and destroyed dozens of houses.”

A civilian from Zarkan area, Abu Mohammed, told Kurdistan24: “Amid the curfew imposed to stop any spread of coronavirus, we are suffering from shelling by Turkish forces and their allied Syrian militant groups, so where shall we go?”

Sources reported the victims were treated in the hospital of Tal Tamr.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Muhammed Khader Sayeil
40 years old male injured
Haitham Yousef Wazou
25 years old male injured
Jaziya Ali
30 years old female injured
Yassin Ramadan
25 years old male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • 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 attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (12) [ collapse]

  • Man receiving medical help in a hospital after alleged Turkish or Turkish-back artillery strikes on the town of Rabia'at, near Abu Rasin, on April 2nd, 2020 (via @vdcnsy).
  • One of the injured men in the hospital after alleged Turkish or Turkish-back artillery strikes on the town of Rabia'at, near Abu Rasin, on April 2nd, 2020 (via @vdcnsy).
  • Woman receiving medical help in a hospital after alleged Turkish or Turkish-back artillery strikes on the town of Rabia'at, near Abu Rasin, on April 2nd, 2020 (via @vdcnsy).

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    One of the victims of alleged Turkish or Turkish-back artillery strikes on the town of Rabia'at, near Abu Rasin, on April 2nd, 2020 (via @vdcnsy).
  • Injured arm of a civilian after alleged Turkish or Turkish-back artillery strikes on the town of Rabia'at, near Abu Rasin, on April 2nd, 2020 (via Hawar News).
  • One of the victims receiving medical help after alleged Turkish or Turkish-back artillery strikes on the town of Rabia'at, near Abu Rasin, on April 2nd, 2020 (via Hawar News).
  • One of the injured in the hospital after alleged Turkish or Turkish-back artillery strikes on the town of Rabia'at, near Abu Rasin, on April 2nd, 2020 (via Hawar News).
  • Injured chest and arm of a civilian after alleged Turkish or Turkish-back artillery strikes on the town of Rabia'at, near Abu Rasin, on April 2nd, 2020 (via Hawar News).
  • Injuries of a civilian after alleged Turkish or Turkish-back artillery strikes on the town of Rabia'at, near Abu Rasin, on April 2nd, 2020 (via Hawar News).
  • Injured knee of a civilian after alleged Turkish or Turkish-back artillery strikes on the town of Rabia'at, near Abu Rasin, on April 2nd, 2020 (via Hawar News).
  • One of the witnesses of narrating the event after alleged Turkish or Turkish-back artillery strikes on the town of Rabia'at, near Abu Rasin, on April 2nd, 2020 (via @HishamArafatt s).

Geolocation notes

Reports on the incident mention the village of Rabiaat (ربيعات) for which the generic coordinates are: 36.820000, 40.333333. 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
    4
  • 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 (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS428

Incident date

April 2, 2020

Location

أم الكيف, Um al Keif, Hasaka, Syria

Geolocation

36.681181, 40.329241 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian was reported injured in alleged Turkish forces shelling on Um al Keif in Tal Tamr, Hasaka, Syria on April 2nd, 2020 according to ANF News.

The source reported that Turkish forces have been heavily shelling Tal Tamr region, and that “the aggression led to injury of 27-year-old Khalid Mihemed Ibrahim in the village of Um al Keif”

Mother of the injured civilian spoke to a news agency saying that “the Turkish occupation army started to bomb the village at around 12 at noon. My son was hit by shrapnel pieces. We rushed him to hospital without losing time.”

The civilian is in a stable condition.

The incident occured around midday.

The victims were named as:

Khalid Mihemed Ibrahim
27 years old male injured

Summary

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

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Khalid Mihemed Ibrahim, aged 27, was injured in alleged Turkish shelling on Um Al Kaf in Tal Tamr, Syria on April 2nd, 2020 (via ANF).

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the vilage of Um al Keif (أم الكيف) for which the generic coordinates are: 36.681181, 40.329241. 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
    Artillery
  • 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
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS427

Incident date

April 2, 2020

Location

تل قبر الصغير و العبوش, Qabr Al Saqir and Al Abosh, Hassakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.747222, 40.389722 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two civilians were reportedly killed and four others were injured in artillery strikes by allegedly Turkish forces and allied militants, on the villages of Qabr Al Saqir and Al Abosh in Tal Tamr district on April 2nd, 2020, according to local sources.

According to Abna24, local sources told SANA, Syria’s official news agency, that “Turkish troops and their proxies targeted buildings in the villages of Qabr Al Saqir and Al Abosh, which lie in the Tall Tamr district of the province, on Thursday afternoon, leaving two civilians dead and four others injured.” The sources also reported material damage to civilians’ property.

@smmsyria tweeted that “two civilians were martyred and four others were injured in a shelling attack launched by #Turkish occupation forces and its proxies on villages in Tal Tamr in #Hasakah Governorate.”

Currently, further information is unavailable to Airwars.

The incident occured in the afternoon.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • 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 (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the villages of Qabr Al Saqir (تل قبر الصغير) and Al Abosh (العبوش). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location of Al Abosh. The generic coordinates for Qabr Al Saqir are: 36.747222, 40.389722.

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
  • 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 (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS429

Incident date

April 4, 2020

Location

The road between Efdikê and Kopirlik, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

36.684904, 38.764007 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Street level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

ANHA reported that Turkish forces targeted a civilian car on the road between Tal Abyad and the village of Avidko in Raqqa, Syria on April 4th, 2020 leading to the injury of a civilian. ANF later said three civilians were in the car and that they got injured.

It was reported also that Turkey-backed militants kidnapped the injured civilian and took him to an unknown destination.

No further information is available at the moment.

The incident occured at approximately 12:00 pm local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–3
  • 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

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports on the incident mention the road between the villages of Efdikê and Kopirlik for which the generic coordinates are: 36.684904, 38.764007. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

  • Reports on the incident mention the road between the villages of Efdikê and Kopirlik.

    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
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–3
  • 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

Sources (2) [ collapse]