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

TS361

Incident date

October 21, 2019

Location

دادات, Dadat, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

36.669727, 39.089355 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Multiple sources reported that Turkish forces committed a “massacre” in Dadat village.

According to RonahiTV, “The Turkish occupation and its mercenaries committed a massacre against civilians in the village of Dadat”.

Adarpress noted that “sources confirmed that Turkish occupation forces killed a number of civilians and buried them in the village, and established a prison in the village, arresting civilians from Dadat and neighbouring villages”.

al-ain.com said that its sources “confirmed that Turkish forces killed a number of civilians in the village and placed their bodies in a mass grave.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 10
  • 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 attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Dadat (دادات), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.669727, 39.089355. 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
    Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 10
  • 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 attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS371a

Incident date

October 27, 2019

Location

كوباني, Kobane, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.889165, 38.353649 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One child aged seven was reported injured in an alleged Turkish forces attack on Kobane – Aleppo governorate in Syria on October 27th, 2019 according to the Kurdish Red Crescent.

The child was identified as Galeb Ebrahim Muhammad.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Galeb Ebrahim Muhammad
7 years old male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Kobane (كوباني), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.889165, 38.353649. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    1
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS398

Incident date

November 23, 2019

Location

الملالي, Al Malali, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

36.089167, 38.706389 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Five civilians were reported killed and between three and 22 others including a child injured in alleged Turkish forces mortar, gunfire and drone strikes on Al Malali village in Ayn Issa – Syria on November 23rd 2019, according to local sources.

ANF said that three civilians were injured when a Free Burma Rangers health team has been attacked by Turkey.

No further details are currently available.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Artillery, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–22
  • 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 (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]

  • Via ANF

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Malali (الملالي), in the vicinity of Ayn Issa (عين عيسى), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.089167, 38.706389. 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, Artillery, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    5
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–22
  • 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 (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS418

Incident date

March 8, 2020

Location

عرب حسن, Arab Hassan, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

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

Airwars assessment

A woman was reported injured in alleged Turkey forces/ pro-Turkey militants shelling of Arab Hassan in Northwest Manbej, Aleppo on March 8th, 2020, according to local sources.

@NotWoofers said the village was attacked with six mortars.

No further details are available.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • 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 attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Arab Hassan (عرب حسن) for which the generic coordinates are: 36.649444 37.847778. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • 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 attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS442

Incident date

July 20, 2020

Location

جرنك, Gerenke, Hassakah, Syria

Geolocation

37.069256, 41.269203 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between two and three civilians were allegedly injured by Turkish shelling on Qamishli.

Syriacpress wrote: “A Syriac Press correspondent in Zalin reported that Turkish forces targeted the city center with a missile in the morning.

Our correspondent declared that the Turkish missile landed in Roj Garage, injuring two civilians who were transferred to a nearby hospital for treatment.”

Rojava Network tweeted: “The Turkish occupation army randomly shelled the city Qamişlo with a mortar. 2 civilians were wounded and are under good conditions. Russian forces has sent a military delegation to the impact location.”

Kongra Star Women’s Movement Rojava, Ronahi tv and Rudaw put the casualty toll at three injured. Rudaw added: “Faisal Osman, a resident of the neighborhood, told Rudaw on Monday that Turkish artillery targeted the neighborhood and wounded three civilians.

‘At 9:30 am on Monday, Turkish artillery shelled our area; it resulted in wounding three civilians, and damaging civilian cars,’ Osman claimed. ‘We are all civilians here.'”

The incident occured at 09:30:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

50 years old male injured
40 years old male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–3
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Car allegedly damaged by Turkish shelling on Qamishli on July 20th, 2020 (via ANHA)
  • Car allegedly damaged by Turkish shelling on Qamishli on July 20th, 2020 (via ANHA)
  • Car allegedly damaged by Turkish shelling on Qamishli on July 20th, 2020 (via ANHA)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention Roj Garage being struck in the Gerenke (جرنك) area, north east of Qamishli (قامشلي). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for this area are: 37.069256, 41.269203.

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
    2–3
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS463

Incident date

January 22, 2021

Location

Memitê, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.870053, 38.330378 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A number of civilians were injured as a result of alleged Turkish drone attack on a house in Memitê neighborhood in Kobanê on January 22nd, 2021, according to local sources.

One of the wounded is a 37 year old man who was injured with shrapnel and moved to hospital. His situation later was described as ‘stable’ by medical sources, but no information available about the others.

@NotWoofers tweeted “A Turkish drone bombed a house on the road to Memitê near Kobanê in what appears to be an attempted assassination.”, but it is unclear who was targeted with the attack.

The attack also caused material damage to the house.

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
    1–2
  • 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
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (25) [ collapse]

  • Location of an alleged Turkish drone attack on the Memitê neighborhood in Kobanê that led to injuries among civilians. (via @TheMENATimes)
  • A Turkish drone allegedly hit a house in Kobanî on Jan 22nd, 2021 (via @RojavaNetwork)
  • A Turkish drone allegedly hit a house in Kobanî on Jan 22nd, 2021 (via @RojavaNetwork)
  • Aftermath of an alleged Turkish drone attack on a civilian house in Kobane. (via @LebanonaME).
  • Aftermath of an alleged Turkish drone attack on a civilian house in Kobane. (via @LebanonaME).
  • Wounded civilians in hospital after alleged Turkish drone attack on a civilian house in Memitê's Neighborhood in Kobani. (via @Rojava_Media)
  • Wounded civilians in hospital after alleged Turkish drone attack on a civilian house in Memitê's Neighborhood in Kobani. (via @Rojava_Media)
  • Damage caused by an alleged Turkish drone attack on a civilian house in Kobane on Jan 22nd, 2021. (via@neccamc1).
  • Damage caused by an alleged Turkish drone attack on a civilian house in Kobane on Jan 22nd, 2021. (via@neccamc1).
  • The damage caused allegedly by a Turkish drone attack on Kobane on Jan 22nd, 2021. (via SOHR).
  • The damage caused allegedly by a Turkish drone attack on Kobane on Jan 22nd, 2021. (via SOHR).
  • The damage caused allegedly by a Turkish drone attack on Kobane on Jan 22nd, 2021. (via SOHR).
  • The damage caused allegedly by a Turkish drone attack on Kobane on Jan 22nd, 2021. (via SOHR).
  • The damage caused allegedly by a Turkish drone attack on Kobane on Jan 22nd, 2021. (via SOHR).
  • The damage caused allegedly by a Turkish drone attack on Kobane on Jan 22nd, 2021. (via SOHR).
  • The damage caused allegedly by a Turkish drone attack on Kobane on Jan 22nd, 2021. (via SOHR).

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the Memitê neighbourhood being struck, south of Kobanî. A possible exact location for this strike, that matches some but not all features from available audio-visual material, is at these coordinates: 36.870053, 38.330378. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

  • Reports of the incident mention the Memitê neighbourhood being struck, south of Kobanî.

    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, Drone Strike
  • 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 attacker
    Turkish Military
  • Suspected target
    Unknown

Sources (16) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TI068

Incident date

September 2, 2021

Location

سيدان, Sidan, Dohuk, Iraq

Geolocation

35.58366, 44.72131 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between two and three civilians were injured in an alleged Turkish strike on Sidan village, Amadiya District on September 2, 2021.

Alyaum TV and Christian Peacemaker Teams reported that Haji Abdullah, 55, and Saber Omar, 45, were wounded.

A security source told Mawazine News that the Turkish bombing resulted in the injury of three civilians.

Amedi Mayor Warshin Salman told BasNews that two civilians were wounded in Turkish air and artillery strikes on Sidan village. At the time of reporting, both of the wounded civilians were in stable conditions.

Xeber24 reported that Haji and Saber were injured on their farms and were transferred to the city’s hospital for treatment. Christian Peacemaker Teams reported the two men were injured in an artillery strike while fishing. Both men were from the nearby town Shiladze.

All of the sources that reported on the incident attributed the strikes to Turkey.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

55 years old injured
45 years old injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–3
  • 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
    Other

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Sidan (سيدان), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.58366, 44.72131. 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
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–3
  • 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
    Other

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS493

Incident date

February 24, 2022

Location

الطريق بين القامشلي وعامودا, Road between Qamishli and Amouda, Hassakah, Syria

Geolocation

37.041217, 41.109385 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Street level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four civilians, including three women and their driver, were injured in alleged Turkish drone strikes on the Qamishlo-Amouda road on February 24, 2022.

According to Hawar News, a car was struck by a Turkish drone, resulting of the injury of four people, including three women. The car was traveling on the Qamishlo-Amouda road, east of the Faruj resort, and it was coming from Amouda towards Qamishlo. The names of the wounded are: Dalia Sheikhmus (20 years); Munifa Hamidi (33 years), who was hit by shrapnel in the leg area; Rosa Hammo (38 years), who was hit in the thigh area; the driver Lazkin Abed (35 years old) who was hit in the shoulder by shrapnel.

The injured civilians were transferred to the “Farman” hospital in Qamishli for treatment, according to Enab Baladi. A medical source in the hospital told North Press Agency, “The four people sustained varying injuries and shrapnel, and their health condition is stable, after receiving first aid.” The medical source added that the driver of the targeted car has been discharged from the hospital, and two women will also be discharged after receiving treatment, but one of them needs an operation, and it was determined two days later.

The driver of the car carrying passengers, Lazkin Abed, explained the details of the attack to Hawar News: “We were in the car coming from Amuda towards the city of Qamishlo, and I had 14 passengers, and suddenly the attack happened and a strong sound was issued and the windows of the car were shattered. I did not stop in that moment. I kept [driving] until the tires of the car exploded on my way to Himo. The passengers who were sitting on the left side of the car were more affected than others, as a result of the strong attack, as shrapnel was scattered towards them.”

Rosa Hamo told North-Press, “We were on our way to Qamishli, and when we arrived at Hemo, and before reaching the city’s entrance checkpoint, I heard a strong sound and shrapnel began to fall on us, and I did not know what happened after. I was hit by shrapnel in my left shoulder and arm as well.”

Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the Turkish drone intended to hit a military vehicle that was also traveling on the road.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

20 years old female injured
33 years old female injured
38 years old female injured
35 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
    4
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Damage to a van carrying civilians on the Qamishlo-Amouda road caused by a Turkish drone strike on February 24, 2022. (Image posted by Hawar News)
  • Damage to a van carrying civilians on the Qamishlo-Amouda road caused by a Turkish drone strike on February 24, 2022. (Image posted by Hawar News)
  • Damage to a van carrying civilians on the Qamishlo-Amouda road caused by a Turkish drone strike on February 24, 2022. (Image posted by Hawar News)
  • Damage to a van carrying civilians on the Qamishlo-Amouda road caused by a Turkish drone strike on February 24, 2022. (Image posted by Hawar News)

Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention a vehicle being struck east of the Faruj Tourist Resort (منتجع فاروش السياحي) on the road between Amouda (عامودا) and Qamishli (قامشلو). Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Faruj Tourist Resort are: 37.041217, 41.109385.

  • Reports of the incident mention a vehicle being struck east of the Faruj Tourist Resort (منتجع فاروش السياحي) on the road between Amouda (عامودا) and Qamishli (قامشلو).

    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, Drone Strike
  • 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 attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (5) [ collapse]