Turkish Military in Iraq & Syria

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

Belligerent
Turkish Military
Country
Syria
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident date

August 21, 2017

Incident Code

TS090

LOCATION

تل رفعت, Tal Ref’at, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian died and four more were wounded in alleged Turkish shelling of the town of Tal Ref’at, according to local media – though one report also said that the Syrian Free Army also targeted Kurdish units in the town. Rumaf named Alia Omar Sheikh and Othman Zakaria Mustafa as killed. However, a later report by Rumaf

Summary

First published
August 21, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
7
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Turkish Military, Free Syrian Army
Named victims
9 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 22, 2018

Incident Code

TS110

LOCATION

شيا عفرين, Shya, Aleppo, Syria

The Kurdish Red Crescent reported that two civilian men and one woman were injured in the vicinity of Shya in Afrin canton. One report came in later on March 5th 2018 of a civilian female ages 65 who was killed. There are no other details present at this time.

Summary

First published
January 22, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(0–1 women)
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
Named victims
4 named
View Incident

Incident date

December 20, 2016

Incident Code

TS027

LOCATION

الباب, Al Bab, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian was reportedly killed in Turkish artillery shelling on Al Bab, Syria. The Syrian Obsevatory of Human Rights reported: “A person was killed and others were wounded in shelling by the Turkish forces and the Euphrates Shield on areas in al Bab city, which is under the control of the ‘Islamic State’ in the

Summary

First published
December 20, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2–5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 7, 2016

Incident Code

TS006 CS364

LOCATION

قرية قباسين, Al Qabasin, Aleppo, Syria

One named civilian male was reported by both Halab News Network and the Violations Documentation Centre as having been killed by ‘Coalition’ strikes or shelling at Al Qabasin, Syria. However Turkish forces and their FSA allies may also have been responsible, according to other local reports. TR Diplomacy tweeted a map on the 7th, reporting that

Summary

First published
November 7, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US-led Coalition, Turkish Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 11, 2018

Incident Code

TS184

LOCATION

جنديرس, Jindires, Afrin, Aleppo, Syria

In a private report to Airwars, the Kurdish Red Crescent reported that one civilian, named as 70-year old Mustafa Shkikho was hit by shrapnel in the chest and face as a result of an alleged Turkish shelling of Jindires, Syria. The source did not say whether the man was wounded or died. No further details

Summary

First published
February 11, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
Civilians reported injured
0–1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident date

February 20, 2018

Incident Code

TS216

LOCATION

قرية سيويا, Siwiyah village, Mobata district, Afrin, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian, reportedly with special needs, was killed in an alleged Turkish shelling of Siwiyah village, local media reported. According to Hawar news, a civilian with special needs from the village of Siwa, in the area of Mobata, was killed by the shelling of the village by the Turkish occupation army with artillery shells. Thirty-three-year-old

Summary

First published
February 20, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 17, 2018

Incident Code

TS280

LOCATION

باسوطة, Basouta road, south of Afrin city, Aleppo, Syria

According to a single source, one male has been killed followed Turkish shelling of Basouta road, Afrin. The source identified the victim name as Azad. The tweet embedded two images of the father standing over his dead son’s body following an alleged Turkish shelling of Basouta road. However, it is unclear when the victim died – and

Summary

First published
March 17, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 27, 2018

Incident Code

TS132

LOCATION

Unknown, Syria

Free Afrin published a picture of a dead man, reporting that “this image is the result of the bombing of the Turkish occupation”. However, an image search showed this photo was first published on the Syrian Media Organisation on a November Facebook post [archived] on November 27th 2017. Airwars has therefore discounted the event as

Summary

First published
January 27, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
View Incident

Incident date

February 24, 2018

Incident Code

TS227

LOCATION

عفرين, Afrin, Aleppo, Syria

The Kurdish activist Claudia reported that a civilian on a motorbike was killed in an alleged Turkish airstrike in Afrin, Syria. The tweet said that “he was bringing some household items (a cylinder of gas and some food) to his family but the brutality of the invaders prevented his arrival to his family”. Afrin Now

Summary

First published
February 24, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident date

March 9, 2018

Incident Code

TS259

LOCATION

ترميشا, عفرين, Termisha, Afrin, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian died, and another was injured in an alleged Turkish airstrike on Termisha, Syria, according to local media. IC Afrin reported that a 55-years-old civilian was hit and killed by a warplane yesterday night in the village of Çomezna (Mabata district). According to Hawar, another man was wounded. It named him as 48-year-old Mohammed Omar

Summary

First published
March 9, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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 belligerent
Turkish Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 24, 2018

Incident Code

TS122

LOCATION

جنديرس, Jindires, Afrin, Aleppo, Syria

According to Rok online, “a father found his two children who were wounded days after they were displaced from the western town of Jenderes, west of Syria. Their convoy was targeted by the Turkish army and its Islamic militia. Ahmed Khallouf, a father of four children from Jandiers district, who fled to Afrin, said the

Summary

First published
January 24, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(0–1 women)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident date

March 6, 2018

Incident Code

TS249

LOCATION

جنديرس,عفرين , Jindires, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian – a nurse or doctor – died and three more were wounded in an alleged Turkish bombing of Jindires, according to IC Afrin Resistance. Afrin Now reported “the martyrdom of the nurse working at Afrin hospital, Shyar Haji Abdo, while trying to rescue civilians in Jandairis region as a result of the continuous

Summary

First published
March 6, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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 belligerent
Turkish Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 2, 2017

Incident Code

TS072

LOCATION

الباب, Al Bab, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian was reportedly killed in alleged Turkish airstrikes shelling on Al Bab, Syria. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported: “The Turkish forces and warplanes renewed their shelling on areas in Al Bab city and its vicinity, which killed a civilian and injured others during the past 24 hours.” Al Jazeera quoted the ISIS

Summary

First published
February 2, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident date

February 13, 2018

Incident Code

TS196

LOCATION

قرية بيكه، عفرين, Shara, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

One man has been killed, and two have wounded in an alleged Turkish shelling of Shara. The Kurdish Red Crescent identified the victims by names and ages. The weapon used has not been reported. No additional details are presently known.  

Summary

First published
February 13, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 31, 2018

Incident Code

TS144

LOCATION

اشرفية, Al Ashrafiya neighbourhood, Afrin, Aleppo, Syria

One child died and up to 12 other civilians were wounded in an alleged Turkish shelling of Afrin, according to local media. Sources reported that Turkey fired rockets into the city. Afrin Now and Rumaf named Arhat Ahmad Aliko, nine-years-old, as killed, though other sources listed him as wounded (see list below). The Smart News

Summary

First published
January 31, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
12
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
Named victims
12 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 13, 2016

Incident Code

TS008

LOCATION

الباب, Al Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Various sources reported intense attacks by Turkish and FSA forces on Al Bab in a push to oust ISIS from the city. The only source which reported civilian casualties was the ISIS-affiliated propaganda outlet Al A’amaq: “One dead and three civilians injured, one of them in a critical condition. following Turkish artillery bombardment of the

Summary

First published
November 13, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
3
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident date

February 4, 2018

Incident Code

TS155

LOCATION

زيتونك, Zeitounka, Afrin, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Local sources in Syria reported “the martyrdom of citizen Ahmed Horo, 77 years old, as a result of the Turkish bombardment of the village of Zeitounka in the countryside of Afrin.” Kurid Post provided detail on the event: “‘We were sitting in the house and a barrage of artillery shells fell unceasingly, causing panic and

Summary

First published
February 4, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 4, 2017

Incident Code

TS073

LOCATION

الباب, Al Bab, Aleppo, Syria

One child reportedly died in alleged Turkish or FSA artillery shelling on Al Bab. The Syrian network for Human Rights wrote that “the child Hassan Al Jaboli, age 12, died from Euphrates Shield artillery shells fired on Al Bab city in the Aleppo governorate.” There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
February 4, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 4, 2018

Incident Code

TS156

LOCATION

جنديرس, Rajo, Afrin, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

In a private report, the Kurdish Red Crescent named three civilians who were injured following an alleged Turkish shelling of Rajo, Syria. The type of weapon is unknown. No additional details are presently known.

Summary

First published
February 4, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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 belligerent
Turkish Military
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 12, 2018

Incident Code

TS187

LOCATION

معبطلي, Ma'abatli village, Afrin, Aleppo, Syria

Six civilians were wounded in an alleged “Turkish bombardment of an olive oil factory”, according to Afrin Now. The victims were named by Afrin Now, Afrin Media Centre and Basnews. According to PYD news, “the Turkish army bombed a factory for the olive industry in Moubata, ‘Maabtli’, which led to the injury of five workers

Summary

First published
February 12, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
6
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
Named victims
6 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 21, 2018

Incident Code

TS219

LOCATION

عفرين, Afrin city, Aleppo, Syria

Rumaf reported that Turkey shelled the city centre of Afrin resulting in “many wounded.” Alaraby reported that “Turkish warplanes bombed Kurdish militia positions in the Hikkah and Ankla hills north of Afrin, while artillery continued to bombard the positions of militias in various parts of the area” – though the source made no mention of

Summary

First published
February 21, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
3–5
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident date

October 12, 2019

Incident Code

TS319

LOCATION

تروازية checkpoint, Tirwaziya checkpoint, Raqqa, Syria

Three civilians including a female politician, The Secretary General of the Future Syria Party, Hevrin Khalaf, were “executed” when the convoy they were travelling in was reportedly ambushed by “Turkish backed mercenary factions” on the road between Jazeera canton and Ain Issa, multiple sources said. Hervin Khalaf’s driver Farhad Ramadan was also believed to be

Summary

First published
October 12, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 woman2 men)
Causes of injury / death
Small arms and light weapons, Use of objects and other means
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerents
Turkish Military, Free Syrian Army
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 9, 2019

Incident Code

TS300C

LOCATION

بوشيوخ, Beshioukh, Aleppo, Syria

One civilian was reported injured in an alleged Turkish forces airstrike and/or artillery strike on Beshioukh village, Kobane in Aleppo Governorate on October 9th, 2019, according to the local sources. The injured civilian was named as Mohammad Ahmad Aljasm, age 22. No other information available to Airwars. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
October 9, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike and/or 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 belligerent
Turkish Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 29, 2019

Incident Code

TS374

LOCATION

الرباط, Rabiat, Al Hassakah, Syria

One child aged 10 was reported injured in an alleged Turkish forces and/or Turkey- backed militants attack on Rabiat village, Zirgan in Hassakah governorate, on October 29th, 2019 according to local sources. The child was identified as Khidir Mihemed Tahir.

Summary

First published
October 29, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerents
Turkish Military, Free Syrian Army
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

November 10, 2019

Incident Code

TS390

LOCATION

حي سيف الدولة, Sayf Al Dawla Neighbourhood, Aleppo, Syria

One child – a six-year-old girl, Norshan Atri – was reported killed in an alleged Turkey-backed militants’ artillery attack on Sêf El-Dewle, Al-Ezemiye and Al-Hemdaniye areas in Aleppo city, Syria on November 10th, 2019 according to local sources. Multiple shells reportedly hit civilian homes. The little girl was killed when one of the shells hit

Summary

First published
November 10, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
7
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 belligerents
Turkish Military, Free Syrian Army
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 3, 2020

Incident Code

TS408

LOCATION

عقيبة, Aqiba, Aleppo, Syria

Local sources reported that Turkish forces targeted villages in Afrin including Aqiba village during the night, leading to the death of one elderly civilian, an the injury of other civilians including his daughter, on February 3rd, 2020. NPA Syria reported that “a Syrian civilian was killed and a woman was injured due to the Turkish

Summary

First published
February 3, 2020
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 man)
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 belligerent
Turkish Military
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

July 16, 2020

Incident Code

TS441

LOCATION

الدرباسية, Ad Darbasiyah, Al Hassakah, Syria

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

Summary

First published
July 16, 2020
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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 belligerent
Turkish Military
Suspected target
Other
Belligerents reported injured
2–5
View Incident

Incident date

July 20, 2021

Incident Code

TS470

LOCATION

نبل, Nubl, Aleppo, Syria

At least one civilian, a woman, was killed and one to three other civilians, including children, were injured in alleged Turkish artillery strikes on the town of Nubl on July 20, 2021. NPA Syria reported “A woman lost her life and a child was injured, on Tuesday, in the bombing of the Turkish-backed factions on

Summary

First published
July 20, 2021
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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 belligerent
Turkish Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

April 18, 2022

Incident Code

TS501

LOCATION

خضراوي, Khadrawi village, Al Hassakah, Syria

One young girl was injured in alleged Turkish artillery shelling of the village of Khadrawi on April 18, 2022. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a little girl was injured by Turkish artillery shelling of her family’s house in Khadrawi village. SOHR added that “Turkish intensive shelling on the countryside of Tel

Summary

First published
April 18, 2022
Last updated
July 21, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
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
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident date

July 25, 2022

Incident Code

TS533

LOCATION

تل زيوان, Tal Ziwan, Al Hassakah, Syria

On July 25th 2022, an alleged Turkish shelling left civilians wounded in Tal Ziwan village, northeast of Al Qamishli, in Al Hassakah, Syria. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that an officer in the Syrian regime forces was injured in this bombardment, carried out by Turkish forces stationed at the border outposts in this

Summary

First published
July 25, 2022
Last updated
July 28, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
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 belligerent
Turkish Military
View Incident