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

TS315

Incident date

October 11, 2019

Location

تل رفعت و شيخ عيسى, Tal Rifat and Sheikh Issa, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.4711743, 37.0965136 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least four children were wounded in an alleged Turkish shelling of Tal Rifat and Sheikh Issa in Aleppo governorate, according to local media.

Sources didn’t give the number of children wounded, though pictures showed four children with injuries. There was also a graphic image of a wounded adult.

 

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
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • 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]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Wounded children following an alleged Turkish shelling of Tal Rifat and Sheikh Issa, Aleppo Governorate, Syria , Oct 11th (via SO4HR)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Wounded children following an alleged Turkish shelling of Tal Rifat and Sheikh Issa, Aleppo Governorate, Syria , Oct 11th (via SO4HR)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A wounded adult male following an alleged Turkish shelling of Tal Rifat and Sheikh Issa, Aleppo Governorate, Syria , Oct 11th (via SO4HR)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Wounded children following an alleged Turkish shelling of Tal Rifat and Sheikh Issa, Aleppo Governorate, Syria , Oct 11th (via SO4HR)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the adjacent towns of Tal Rifat (تل رفعت) and Sheikh Issa (شيخ عيسى). The generic coordinates for Tal Rifat are: 36.4711743, 37.0965136 and the generic coordinates for Sheikh Issa are: 36.4790894, 37.1473147. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

  • Reports of the incident mention the adjacent towns of Tal Rifat (تل رفعت) and Sheikh Issa (شيخ عيسى).

    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 and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • 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

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

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:

Khawla Khidir Deham خولة خضر دحام
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)
  • 9th to 30th of october doc

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

TS386

Incident date

November 9, 2019

Location

الدردارة, Al Dardara, Al Hasaka, Syria

Geolocation

36.703333, 40.401667 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One medical worker and one journalist were reported injured in an alleged Turkish forces drone attack on a vehicle belonging to the Syrian regime forces in Dildarê village, Tal Tamr, Hasaka in Syria on November 9th, 2019 according to local sources.

The medical worker working with the Kurdish Red Crescent and the German NGO CADUS was named as Aram Ehmed or Aram Hamidi (22 years old). He was quoted saying: “I was wounded by shrapnel, I still have a piece in my jaw. Here. And all my teeth are broken.” Local sources reported that the team of KRC was targeted while on their way to retrieve the injured in Dildara village.

The journalist injured is known to work for al-Ikhbariya Syrian television but no further details available.

The attack also killed between three and six Syrian regime forces’ soldiers and wounded between four and 35 others.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Aram Ehmed
22 years old male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • 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
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military
  • Belligerents reported killed
    3–6
  • Belligerents reported injured
    4–35

Sources (19) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Aram Ahmed/Hamidi who works for the KRC and German NGO @cadus_org was injured in a drone attack allegedly by Turkey on Tal Tamr - Syria on 9 Nov 2019 (via @GforGilgo).

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention an airstrike in the vicinity of Al Dardara (الدردارة), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.703333, 40.401667. 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
    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
  • Belligerents reported killed
    3–6
  • Belligerents reported injured
    4–35

Sources (19) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS404

Incident date

January 1, 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

One civilian, named as Ammar Alhaji, was reportedly shot dead by members of the al Majd Brigade of the Syrian National Army.

According to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently, the man was “shot dead while he was trying to prevent fighters of Turkish-backed Al-Majd Legion from stealing his car.”.

Euphrates Post reported that the victim was a taxi driver.

The Syrian Network for Human Rights said: “Ammar al Hajji, from Tal Abyad city in the northern suburbs of Raqqa governorate, was killed in a shooting by members of al Majd Brigade of the Syrian National Army in Kendar village in the northern suburbs of Raqqa suburbs, on January 1, 2020.”

The killing led to civilians taking to the streets in protest.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ammar Al-Haji
Age unknown killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • 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 (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Ammar Al-Haji, reportedly shot by members of al Majd Brigade of the Syrian National Army, Tal Abyad, Jan 1st 2020 (via RBSS)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Ammar Al-Haji, reportedly shot by members of al Majd Brigade of the Syrian National Army, Tal Abyad, Jan 1st 2020 (via RBSS)
  • Protests in Tal Abayd following the death of Ammar Al-Haji, Jan 1st 2020 (via RBSS)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Tal Abyad (تل أبيض), for which the coordinates are: 36.691373, 38.949966

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
    1
  • (1 man)
  • 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 (12) [ 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

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

TS496

Incident date

March 15, 2022

Location

قرية الجات, Al Jat village, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.636817, 38.032688 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two civilians were injured in alleged Turkish drone strikes on Al-Jat village on March 15, 2022.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a drone struck Al-Jat village in the northeast of Manbij city with several bombs, injuring two civilians.

A Facebook post from Hawar News quoted the media center of the Manbij Military Council, who said that Turkish forces bombed multiple villages northeast of the city of Manbij, without mentioning any casualties.

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
    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 (3) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Jat (الجات), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.636817, 38.032688. 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
    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 (3) [ collapse]