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 date

January 29, 2018

Incident Code

TS140

LOCATION

شيا عفرين, Shya, Aleppo, Syria

The Kurdish Red Crescent reported the death of an elderly man in military action in the Shya area. The victim was also named by KDP, Hawar news and Alitihad Press. According to Alitihad Press, the victim “died in the hospital after serious injuries to his body.” There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
January 29, 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

January 24, 2018

Incident Code

TS119

LOCATION

حمام, Hamam village, Afrin, Aleppo, Syria

On January 25th, Free Afrin – which published a picture of the victim – reported “the martyrdom of the citizen Hussein Hasek after yesterday’s injury as a result of shelling and firing by the Turkish occupation army on the village of Hamam in the countryside of Afrin”. However according to Rumaf “Hussein Hasek of Hamam

Summary

First published
January 24, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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 belligerent
Turkish Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 11, 2018

Incident Code

TS182

LOCATION

قسطل خضرية, Qastal Khadriya, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

Local media reported the death of the civilian Mohammed Rasho, born in 1956, in an alleged Turkish airstrike on the village of Qustal Khadriya. However, Nuce24 (which placed Mr Rasho’s death on February 10th at Berkashi) seemed to suggest that the victim was not a civilian. It reported that “the General Command of the People’s

Summary

First published
February 11, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(0–1 men)
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

October 22, 2016

Incident Code

CS345 TS005d

LOCATION

الطويحينة, Al Tweihina, Aleppo, Syria

Airstrikes, possibly carried out by Turkish forces, killed one civilian according to one local report. Others referred only to violent clashes between non state actors. Smart News Agency reported that “international Coalition aircraft” targeting ISIS in Al Tweihina which it said killed one civilian and two members of the terror group. However, the report identified

Summary

First published
October 22, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
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
View Incident

Incident date

January 20, 2018

Incident Code

TS098

LOCATION

شيا عفرين, Shya, Aleppo, Syria

Afrin Now reported that “the Turkish army, based in the city of Izzaz, bombed the villages of Belonya, Malikya, Villat Qadi and Barada, resulting in the wounding of workers with light injuries.” In a related event, the Red Crescent reported that a 45 year old civilian male it named as Ibrahem Khalil Muhammad was injured

Summary

First published
January 20, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

January 27, 2018

Incident Code

TS130

LOCATION

جنديرس, Jindires, Afrin, Aleppo, Syria

The Kurdish Red Crescent reported that nine civilians were injured in the Jinderes area of Afrin Canton. In a report shared with Airwars, nine injured civilians were named – listed below. The source Rodi Sad reported that a Turkish warplane struck a mosque in Jinderes. It published images showing destruction of the building but made

Summary

First published
January 27, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
9
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
Named victims
9 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 7, 2018

Incident Code

TS161

LOCATION

جنديرس, Rajo, Afrin, Aleppo, Aleppo, Syria

In a private report, the Kurdish Red Crescent named the following one civilian was wounded in an alleged Turkish shelling of Rajo. The type of weapon is unknown. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
February 7, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
1
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 13, 2018

Incident Code

TS193

LOCATION

قوطا شرقية,بلبل , Qota Sharqiya, Bulbul district, Afrin, Aleppo, Syria

According to two sources, some civilians were injured followed an alleged Turkish shelling on Qota Sharqiya, Bulbul district. The Kurdish Red Crescent reported three civilians were injured followed an alleged Turkish shelling of Qota Sharqiya, Afrin. The Smart News Agency also reported three wounded civilians but cited the Kurdish Red Crescent report. One of the

Summary

First published
February 13, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 29, 2017

Incident Code

TS092

LOCATION

عفرين, Afrin, Aleppo, Syria

Between six and 10 civilians including one or more child were wounded in an alleged Turkish shelling on Afrin, according to local media. Rudaw said that “Rizan Haddu, a political writer, told them that the initial result of the shelling that targeted the neighborhoods of Afrin injured six civilians to varying degrees”. Yekiti reported the

Summary

First published
August 29, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
Civilians reported injured
6–10
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

October 9, 2019

Incident Code

TS299

LOCATION

القحطانية, Kel Hesnak, Al Hassakah, Syria

Four civilians were reported injured as a result of an alleged Turkish forces airstrike on Kel Hesnak village in Hasakah, October 9th 2019, according to local media. ANHA reported: “The bombing of the city center continued and four civilians were injured. Injured civilians were hospitalized.”

Summary

First published
October 9, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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 belligerent
Turkish Military
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 12, 2019

Incident Code

TS334

LOCATION

تل أبيض, Tal Abyad, Raqqa, Syria

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that it had “documented the death of 3 civilians by the Turkish ground shelling that targeted Tal Abyad area”. No further details are currently available.

Summary

First published
October 12, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
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
View Incident

Incident date

October 17, 2019

Incident Code

TS354

LOCATION

غرب, Alia, Al Hassakah, Syria

NPA tweeted: “Five injured have arrived at the hospital in Tal Tamr, northwest of Hassakah, as a result of the Turkish warplanes bombing on the village of Aliya south of the city of Ras al-Ain/Sere Kaniyeh this morning [Oct 17th].” No further details are currently available.    

Summary

First published
October 17, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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 belligerent
Turkish Military
Named victims
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 16, 2019

Incident Code

TS350d

LOCATION

راس العين, Ras Al Ain, Al Hassakah, Syria

The Kurdish Red Crescent reported that up to seven civilians, including two children,  were injured in an alleged Turkish forces attack on Ras Al Ayn, Hassakah in Syria on October 16th, 2019.  

Summary

First published
October 16, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
7
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
Named victims
7 named
View Incident

Incident date

June 12, 2019

Incident Code

TI022b

LOCATION

Kany Motel, Duhok, Iraq

The Christian Peacemaker Teams in Iraqi Kurdistan reported that two workers of a plant shop were injured in Turkish airstrikes on the town of Amadiya on June 12th, 2019. CPTIK reported: “On June 12, 2019, The Turkish Military dropped a bomb within Amadiya, just a few blocks from The Kany Motel and Tahini Factory. The

Summary

First published
June 12, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
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 24, 2020

Incident Code

TS413

LOCATION

الخاروفية كبير, Al Kharoufiyah Kabir, Aleppo, Syria

One woman was reported injured in alleged Turkish shelling on Al Kharoufiyah Kabir in Manbej of Aleppo, Syria on February 24th, 2020 according to local sources. Manbej Military Council reported that “The Turkish occupation army and its mercenaries target from their base in the village of Al-Yashli and Sheikh Nasser and Al-Tokharak the points of

Summary

First published
February 24, 2020
Last updated
January 18, 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

May 20, 2020

Incident Code

TS438

LOCATION

Şiyûx, Aleppo, Syria

Two civilians were reportedly injured in alleged Turkish artillery strikes on the village of Shiyûx, Aleppo governorate, on May 20th, 2020, according to local sources. ANF reported that the Turkish army had targeted the village with artillery strikes, leading to the injury of two civilians, adding that “the western region of Kobanê has been bombed by

Summary

First published
May 20, 2020
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident date

November 18, 2020

Incident Code

TS457

LOCATION

المالكية‎, Al Malikiyah, Al Hassakah, Syria

Two civilians were reported injured in Al-Malikya, Hasakah in Syria allegedly when Turkish forces opened fire on civilians working in their field on November 18th. ANHA named the two civilians as Haytham Ali from Mazra Khawari, and Shafan Bouti from Mazra Bani village. The latter was wounded in the leg, which led to cutting nerves

Summary

First published
November 18, 2020
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
Turkish Military
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
2 named
View Incident

Incident date

August 5, 2021

Incident Code

YS112

LOCATION

الباب, Al Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Between 17 and 27 civilians, including four children and three women, were injured in alleged Syrian Democratic Forces or regime strikes on Al Bab on August 5/6, 2021. Macro Media Center reported that “civilians were wounded and civilian homes were destroyed as a result of the targeting of SDF forces with rocket launchers, the city

Summary

First published
August 5, 2021
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Syrian Regime, Syrian Democratic Forces
Named victims
17 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 2, 2022

Incident Code

TS488

LOCATION

Kolya, Al Hassakah, Syria

At least one civilian, a 30 year old woman, was injured in alleged Turkish shelling of the village of Kolya on February 2, 2022. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a 30 year old woman and a civilian were seriously injured as a result of Turkish artillery shelling on the village of Kolya

Summary

First published
February 2, 2022
Last updated
July 28, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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 belligerent
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident date

June 7, 2022

Incident Code

TS517

LOCATION

ابين, Abin, Aleppo, Syria

At least one civilian, a woman, was injured in alleged Turkish shelling of the village of Abin on June 7, 2022. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a woman who was displaced from Afrin was injured when Turkish forces fired over 15 heavy artillery shells at Abin village, in addition to the damage

Summary

First published
June 7, 2022
Last updated
July 14, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1
Cause of injury / death
Electromagnetic weapons
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, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

August 8, 2022

Incident Code

TS540

LOCATION

تل زيوان, Tal Zewan, Al Hassakah, Syria

At least one civilian grazing sheep was injured in alleged Turkish shelling on Tel Zewan on August 8, 2022. Hawar News reported that Turkish forces shelled the village of Tel Zewan with artillery at around 13:00, injuring one civilian who was tending to his sheep. Hawar added that on the same day, Turkish forces bombed

Summary

First published
August 8, 2022
Last updated
August 16, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian infrastructure
Agriculture
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

November 20, 2022

Incident Code

TS567

LOCATION

جورين, Hama, Syria

One child, a boy, and a woman, his mother, were injured as a result of Turkish-backed militant action, from factions of the “Al-Fateh Al-Mubin”. The actions were reported to include artillery shells hitting the town of Jourin on November 20th 2022. The woman and child were reportedly transferred to the Suqaylabiyah National Hospital for treatment.

Summary

First published
November 20, 2022
Last updated
December 8, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or 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
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, 1 familiy identified
Geolocation
Village
View Incident

Incident date

May 28, 2023

Incident Code

TS597

LOCATION

عفرين ، رأس العين ، اعزاز ، تل أبيض ، الباب ، جرابلس, Afrin, Ras Al Ain, Azaz, Tell Abyad, Al Bab, Jarablus, Aleppo, Syria

A child was killed and between 20 to 25 civilians, including two women and four children, were injured by alleged Turkish-back faction heavy gunfire around Afrin on May 28, 2023. Hawar News initially reported that a child was killed and “a number of people, including women” were injured by gunfire from Turkish militia members while

Summary

First published
May 28, 2023
Last updated
August 15, 2023
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
20–25
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 belligerent
Turkish Military
Geolocation
City
View Incident

Incident date

August 24, 2023

Incident Code

TI095

LOCATION

قرية ميرغمير, village of Mergmir, Erbil, Iraq

On the 24th of August 2023, a drone strike is believed to have killed either four civilians or four PKK fighters, two of them in medical roles, in the village of Merg Mir in the Bradost region in Erbil Governorate. According to several news sources, including Roj News, Hawar News Agency and Kurdistan 24, the

Summary

First published
August 24, 2023
Last updated
September 11, 2023
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian infrastructure
Agriculture
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 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 belligerent
Turkish Military
Suspected target
YPG/SDF
Belligerents reported killed
0–4
View Incident

Incident date

November 23, 2023

Incident Code

TS660

LOCATION

قرية قرفل, Village of Qarfal, near Ain Essa, Raqqa, Syria

On the 23rd of November, 2023, a number of civilians, reportedly cotton workers, were injured and a car was severely damaged by an alleged Turkish artillery strike on the village of Qarfal, near the town of Ain Issa in Tell Abyad District, to the north of Raqqa, Syria. Several reports on the strike stated that

Summary

First published
November 23, 2023
Last updated
July 2, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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 belligerent
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident date

January 30, 2018

Incident Code

TS141

LOCATION

جنديرس, Rajo, Afrin, Aleppo, Syria

Three civilians were wounded in an alleged Turkish airstrike on Rajo, local media reported. It should be noted that some sources reported this incident as Jindires, but Airwars spoke with the Kurdish Red Crescent which confirmed that this was a mistake and the location was in fact Rajo. According to Manbij Military Council, “at 1400

Summary

First published
January 30, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0
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
3 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 16, 2018

Incident Code

TS204

LOCATION

جنديرس, Jindires, Afrin, Aleppo, Syria

According to a local report, a civilian at the age of 13 years old was injured following an alleged Turkish shelling of Jindires, Afrin. Rumaf identified the victim by name. Alghad TV reveals a report that shows the destruction of civilians houses in Jindires, Afrin followed alleged airstrikes and shelling. There are no other details at this time.

Summary

First published
February 16, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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

October 11, 2019

Incident Code

TS310

LOCATION

قامشلي, Qamishli, Al Hassakah, Syria

At least one civilian was killed and six others were injured in alleged Turkish shelling on the largest bakery of the city of Qamishli, as reported by local sources. @y_ozgurpolitika reported that the bakery is located in a park in the city center. According to Hawar News Agency, the automatic bakery provides bread to half of the

Summary

First published
October 11, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 3
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 belligerent
Turkish Military
Named victims
8 named
View Incident

Incident date

October 15, 2019

Incident Code

TS343

LOCATION

ابو سرة, Abu Surra, Raqqa, Syria

Two civilians died and another was wounded in an alleged Turkish attack on a car carrying civilians, multiple sources reported. @thefinalwar tweeted” “The Turkish state and its gangs attacked a vehicle belonging to civilians in the village of Abu Sirê to the west of Eyn Isa. Two civilians were martyred and one civilian was injured

Summary

First published
October 15, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
1
Cause of injury / death
Unknown
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

October 16, 2019

Incident Code

TS350C

LOCATION

رأس العين, Ras Al Ain, Al Hassakah, Syria

Four civilians were reported injured after being shot on October 16th, 2019 according to local sources. Other sources also reported “a violent attack by Turkish-backed armed factions on top of  Ras Al Ain”.

Summary

First published
October 16, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
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 belligerents
Turkish Military, Free Syrian Army
Named victims
4 named
View Incident