Turkish Military in Iraq & Syria

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

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

Incident Code

TS240

Incident date

March 3, 2018

Location

ميركان, Mirkan, Afrin, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.5375, 36.713889 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A number of civilians were wounded in an alleged Turkish shelling of Mirkan, Syria, according to sources on the ground.

Hawar News reported: “The Turkish occupation army shelled the center of the area of Mabata and the village of Mircan. It used heavy artillery and missiles, and according to preliminary information, there are wounded civilians.”

IC Afrin said that initial information from local sources indicated that there were “many civilian casualties”.

The Military Council for the city of Manbij and countryside reported that “on the outskirts of Mirkan village, indiscriminate shelling continued with heavy weapons and targeted civilians directly. Many of them were wounded in the shelling”.

Other sources also reported Turkish artillery shelling.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–10
  • 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 (4) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of alleged Turkish shelling on Mirkan, Afrin, 3rd March 2018. (via Hawar)
  • The aftermath of alleged Turkish shelling on Mirkan, Afrin, 3rd March 2018. (via Hawar)
  • The aftermath of alleged Turkish shelling on Mirkan, Afrin, 3rd March 2018. (via Hawar)
  • The aftermath of alleged Turkish shelling on Mirkan, Afrin, 3rd March 2018. (via Hawar)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Mirkan, Afrin (ميركان), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.5375, 36.713889. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–10
  • 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

TS241

Incident date

March 3, 2018

Location

ميشالا, Meshale, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.579722, 36.930000 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Multiple local sources reported that five civilians were killed in an alleged Turkish airstrike on Meshale, Syria.

According to ANF, “on the axis of the village of Meshaala, the Turkish invasion aircraft launched raids on the village during the afternoon. The bombing continues as this report is being prepared. The initial death toll is five civilians martyrs and a number of other wounded people. Rescue teams can’t reach the village”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • 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 (13) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • The exact moments after alleged Turkish airstrikes hit Meshale, 3rd March 2018. (via Hawar)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Meshale, Aleppo (ميشالا), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.579722, 36.930000. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • 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 (13) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS242

Incident date

March 3, 2018

Location

موباتة, Mobata, Afrin, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.562634, 36.930000 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to six civilians were wounded in an alleged Turkish shelling of Mobata, Syria, according to local media.

ROK reported: “A number of civilians were wounded on Saturday morning by Turkish artillery shelling on the centre of Maabatli in Afrin, northwest of Syria, amid heavy fighting on the outskirts of Raju town west of the province.”

According to field sources in the area of Maabtli, Turkish artillery shelling targeted civilian houses, causing substantial damage to houses and shops, coinciding with the intensification of Turkish air raids on the countryside since Thursday.

Finally, Alalam reported that both the Turkish army and “armed forces of the Free Army” were behind today’s shelling.

The incident occured around dawn.

The victims were named as:

Mustafa Ahmed Ibrahim
60 years old male injured on his right foot injured
Shiraz El-Din Khalil Suleiman
48 years old male as injured in the head and currently receiving treatment in the intensive care unit injured
Rashid Hamid Musa
29 years old injured
Sido Shukri Abdo
65 years old full body injury injured
Ali Fadel Salameh
Age unknown Rumaf correspondent injured
Nour Jammu
Age unknown Rumaf correspondent injured

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–6
  • 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 (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (13) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of alleged Turkish airstrike on Mobata, Afrin, 3rd March 2018. (via Arin Chikhmous)
  • The aftermath of the alleged Turkish raid on Mobata, Afrin, 3rd March 2018. Blood can be seen in the streets alongside much material damage. (via Hawar)
  • A wounded civilian receives medical treatment in the aftermath of an alleged Turkish airstrike on Mobata, Afrin, 3rd March 2018. (via ROK)
  • A wounded civilian receives medical treatment in the aftermath of an alleged Turkish airstrike on Mobata, Afrin, 3rd March 2018. (via ROK)
  • A wounded civilian receives medical treatment in the aftermath of an alleged Turkish airstrike on Mobata, Afrin, 3rd March 2018. (via ROK)
  • A wounded civilian receives medical treatment in the aftermath of an alleged Turkish airstrike on Mobata, Afrin, 3rd March 2018. (via ROK)
  • A wounded civilian receives medical treatment in the aftermath of an alleged Turkish airstrike on Mobata, Afrin, 3rd March 2018. (via ROK)
  • A wounded civilian receives medical treatment in the aftermath of an alleged Turkish airstrike on Mobata, Afrin, 3rd March 2018. (via ROK)
  • A wounded civilian receives medical treatment in the aftermath of an alleged Turkish airstrike on Mobata, Afrin, 3rd March 2018. (via ROK)
  • A wounded civilian receives medical treatment in the aftermath of an alleged Turkish airstrike on Mobata, Afrin, 3rd March 2018. (via Rumaf)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A wounded civilian receives medical treatment in the aftermath of an alleged Turkish airstrike on Mobata, Afrin, 3rd March 2018. (via Rumaf)
  • A wounded civilian receives medical treatment in the aftermath of an alleged Turkish airstrike on Mobata, Afrin, 3rd March 2018. (via Rumaf)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Wounded civilian receives medical treatment in the aftermath of an alleged Turkish airstrike on Mobata, Afrin, 3rd March 2018. (via ANHA)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Mobata, Afrin (موباتة), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.562634, 36.930000. 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

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–6
  • 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 (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS243

Incident date

March 3, 2018

Location

دررويش, Darwish village, Afrin, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.635, 36.668056 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Rumaf reported “an AFP photographer and German ZDF correspondent were targeted with two Turkish artillery shells in the village of Darwish in Sharan district in Afrin”.

No further details are currently available.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 2
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Darwish village, Afrin (دررويش), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.635, 36.668056. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 2
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS237

Incident date

March 2, 2018

Location

مابيتة, Kahre, Mabeta, Afrin, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.514444, 36.704444 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One to two civilians died and five more were wounded in an alleged Turkish shelling of Kahre, according to local media. Reports said that shelling occurred at 2.00 am, with a shell landing in the main square.

According to Rok news, “the village of Khera, in the area of ​​Maabtli, came under artillery fire after midnight on Thursday, killing the young man, and wounding five others.”

Sources published images of the victims being treated in a medical facility.

The incident occured at approximately 2:00 am local time.

The victims were named as:

Joan Sadiq Rachid
35 years old male killed
Giwan Sadk Rashed
35 years old male killed
Riber Hanan Imo
47 years old injured
Mahmoud Abdo Emo
51 years old male injured
Jamil Mohammed Waqas
47 years old male injured
Ahmed Jamil Qassem
38 years old male injured
Ahmed Suleiman Mohammed
55 years old male injured

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • (1–2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • 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 (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (16) [ collapse]

  • The aftermath of alleged Turkish airstrikes on Kahre, Mabeta, Afrin, 2nd March 2018. (via Hawar)
  • The aftermath of alleged Turkish airstrikes on Kahre, Mabeta, Afrin, 2nd March 2018. (via Hawar)
  • The aftermath of alleged Turkish airstrikes on Kahre, Mabeta, Afrin, 2nd March 2018. (via Hawar)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Civilians being treated in a medical facility in the aftermath of alleged Turkish airstrikes on Kahre, Mabeta, Afrin, 2nd March 2018. (via Bas)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Civilian being treated in a medical facility in the aftermath of alleged Turkish airstrikes on Kahre, Mabeta, Afrin, 2nd March 2018. (via Brexwadanakurd)
  • A civilian who was either killed or wounded in alleged Turkish airstrikes on Kahre, Mabeta, Afrin, 2nd March 2018. (via Brexwadanakurd)
  • Civilian being treated in a medical facility in the aftermath of alleged Turkish airstrikes on Kahre, Mabeta, Afrin, 2nd March 2018. (via Brexwadanakurd)
  • Civilian being treated in a medical facility in the aftermath of alleged Turkish airstrikes on Kahre, Mabeta, Afrin, 2nd March 2018. (via Brexwadanakurd)
  • Giwan Sadk Rashed, killed in alleged Turkish airstrikes on Kahre, Mabeta, Afrin, 2nd March 2018. (via SheroAlo1)
  • Civilian being treated in a medical facility in the aftermath of alleged Turkish airstrikes on Kahre, Mabeta, Afrin, 2nd March 2018. (via Arin Cheikhmous)
  • Civilian being treated in a medical facility in the aftermath of alleged Turkish airstrikes on Kahre, Mabeta, Afrin, 2nd March 2018. (via Arin Cheikhmous)
  • Civilian being treated in a medical facility in the aftermath of alleged Turkish airstrikes on Kahre, Mabeta, Afrin, 2nd March 2018. (via Arin Cheikhmous)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Civilian being treated in a medical facility in the aftermath of alleged Turkish airstrikes on Kahre, Mabeta, Afrin, 2nd March 2018. (via IC Afrin)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Civilian being treated in a medical facility in the aftermath of alleged Turkish airstrikes on Kahre, Mabeta, Afrin, 2nd March 2018. (via IC Afrin)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Civilian being treated in a medical facility in the aftermath of alleged Turkish airstrikes on Kahre, Mabeta, Afrin, 2nd March 2018. (via IC Afrin)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Civilian being treated in a medical facility in the aftermath of alleged Turkish airstrikes on Kahre, Mabeta, Afrin, 2nd March 2018. (via IC Afrin)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Kahre, Mabeta, Afrin (مابيتة), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.514444, 36.704444. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 2
  • (1–2 men)
  • Civilians reported injured
    5
  • 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 (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS238

Incident date

March 2, 2018

Location

هيلجار جنديرس, Hijlar, Jindires, Afrin, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.385278, 36.717778 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local media reported that between eight and 10 civilians died and up to 16 more were wounded in alleged Turkish air and artillery strikes on Hijlar, Jindires.

According to Rok news, “Turkish forces carried out a massacre of civilians in the village of Hujailar in the countryside of northwestern Syria, field sources said. The sources confirmed Turkish artillery had targeted the houses of civilians and their vehicles, killing eight civilians and wounding 12 others.”

Rok and other sources claimed that Turkish forces had “kidnapped” the wounded and transported the dead bodies to Hattai in an attempt to “hide” the “massacre”.

The pro-Syrian regime source Syriaalasad put the death toll at 10 with 16 more injured.

Xeber 24 added that the YPG had attacked Turkish forces in the area, reporting thatthe People’s and Women’s Protection Units carried out a qualitative operation in the village of Hjilar in the Jandrissa district. The sources confirmed that nine Turkish soldiers were killed and another eight wounded”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 10
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–16
  • 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]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Hijlar, Jindires, Afrin (هيلجار جنديرس), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.385278, 36.717778. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    8 – 10
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–16
  • 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

TS239

Incident date

March 2, 2018

Location

يلنقوز, Yalanqouz, Afrin, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.391667, 36.693056 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian male was injured in an alleged Turkish shelling of Yalanqouz, according to local media.

ROK News reported: “In the context of Jindires and its villages, there is heavy artillery shelling in conjunction with air strikes on populated villages. At least one person was injured in the village of Yilanguz after air strikes.”

Sources said that the victim suffered shrapnel wounds to his face and published images of him being treated in a medical facility.

According to IC Afrin, the man was injured by a “Turkish army drone”.

Rumaf added that there had been “destruction to residential buildings”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Abdul Rahman Badr Khan
26 years old male injured

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • 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

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Abdul Rahman Badr Khan, injured in alleged Turkish shelling on Yalanqouz, Afrin, 2nd March 2018. (via Arin Chekhmous)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Yalanqouz, Afrin (يلنقوز), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.391667, 36.693056. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    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

TS235

Incident date

March 1, 2018

Location

حج خليل, Haj Khalil village, Rajo district, Afrin, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.678611, 36.683611 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One named civilian died in an alleged Turkish airstrike on Haj Khalil village, according to local media.

PUK Media reported: “‘The Turkish bombardment continues on Afrin against unarmed civilians,’ said Brusak Hasaka, a spokesman for the Syrian Democratic Forces in Afrin. He said that the bombardment resulted in the death of a citizen named Ibrahim Ali Yousef in a village in the village of Haj Khalil.”

Other sources referred to “the deaths of martyrs and wounded among civilians”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Ibrahim Ali Yusuf
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 man)
  • 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 (9) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Ibrahim Ali Yusuf, killed in an alleged Turkish airstrike on Haj Khalil village, Rajo district, Afrin, 1st March 2018. (via ANF)
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Ibrahim Ali Yusuf, killed in an alleged Turkish airstrike on Haj Khalil village, Rajo district, Afrin, 1st March 2018. (via Rumaf)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Haj Khalil village, Rajo district, Afrin (حج خليل), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.678611, 36.683611. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (1 man)
  • 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 (9) [ collapse]