Turkish Military in Iraq & Syria

Turkish Military in Iraq & Syria

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

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Incident Code

TS087

Incident date

July 3, 2017

Location

Jelber village, [or Cilbir] Shirawa district, Afrin, Syria

Geolocation

36.484167, 36.968889 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four civilians including an elderly woman were wounded in an alleged Turkish artillery attack on Jelber village, Afrin, according to local media.

Aksalser cited Kurdish Activists and reported that “a woman from the village of Gelber in the countryside of Afrin was injured by the Turkish artillery”

Azadiy Kurdistan said that “according to medical sources, four civilians were wounded in the village of Jalbar as a result of the shelling of the village by the Turkish army and the militias backed by them.”

According to Welat FM “the hospital administration confirmed that they also received four injured civilians from the village of Gelber in the area of ​​Shirawa as a result of targeting the village more than 20 shells.”

Rok Online said that those injured included an elderly woman.

Aylina Kilic provided some further details, reporting: ‘Sabah Isa (40) who was wounded in the shelling of Turkish-backed groups on the #Afrin village said: “Was it a mortar or shell, I don’t know”.
“She continued: ‘They fired it and I was in the balcony. I told the children to come inside. They were firing at the garden and surroundings’.

 

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Sabah Isa
40 years old female injured

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    Unknown

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (11) [ collapse]

  • 'Update: 4 civilians have been wounded in yesterday's shelling on villages in Canton #Afrin by Turkey-backed jihadist groups (ANHA) #Rojava'
  • A woman allegedly injured in the attack
  • Destruction caused by alleged Turkish strikes on either the village of Jelber of Kafronton, it was unclear which. (via Manbij.org)
  • Destruction caused by alleged Turkish strikes on either the village of Jelber of Kafronton, it was unclear which. (via Manbij.org)
  • Destruction caused by alleged Turkish strikes on either the village of Jelber of Kafronton, it was unclear which. (via Manbij.org)
  • Destruction caused by alleged Turkish strikes on either the village of Jelber of Kafronton, it was unclear which. (via Manbij.org)
  • Destruction caused by alleged Turkish strikes on either the village of Jelber of Kafronton, it was unclear which. (via Manbij.org)
  • Destruction caused by alleged Turkish strikes on either the village of Jelber of Kafronton, it was unclear which. (via Manbij.org)
  • Destruction caused by alleged Turkish strikes on either the village of Jelber of Kafronton, it was unclear which. (via Manbij.org)
  • Destruction caused by alleged Turkish strikes on either the village of Jelber of Kafronton, it was unclear which. (via Manbij.org)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Jelber village, [or Cilbir] Shirawa district, for which the generic coordinates are: 36.484167, 36.968889. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Unknown Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Unknown
  • Unknown position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    Unknown

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS086

Incident date

July 3, 2017

Location

كفرعنطون, Kafar Anton village, Shahaba, Afrin, Syria

Geolocation

36.506389, 37.039444 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three civilians from the al-Yousef family (a mother and her two children) died, and another two civilains, and up to ten more non-combatants were wounded in an alleged Turkish artillery bombardment of Kafar Anton village, Shahaba, Afrin, according to local media.

Welat FM, citing Afrin hospital, named the fatalities.

All other sources blamed Turkey for the civilian harm. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights on July 4th: “Turkey begins its war against Syrian Kurds by killing citizens of an Arab family in the northern countryside of Aleppo. A woman and two of her children died and eight others were wounded.”

Defend Afrin put the death toll at four civilians with 10 more wounded.

Aylina Kilic published testimony from 40-year-old Sabah Isa, who was reportedly wounded in the Turkish shelling. She said: “Was it a mortar or shell, I don’t know…They fired it and I was on the balcony. I told the children to come inside. They were firing at the garden and surroundings””.

A report by Sputnik quoted Rezan Hedo, a member of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Council, who said: “Turkish artillery has shelled the villages of Kastel Cindo, Maryamayn, Jalbul and Shagura on the outskirts of Afrin. Two children and a woman died following the shelling in the village of Kafr Antun”.

Ali Ozkok added that 13 YPG fighters were also killed.

Multiple sources published images of casualties – including children – being treated in a medical facility. Graphic footage by Aylina Kilic appeared to show dead civilians.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (7)

Ghazaleh al-Yousef
40 years old female killed
Muawiya al-Yousef
13 years old male killed
Tabarak al-Yousef
10 years old male killed
Khansa al-Yousef
13 years old female injured
Randa al-Yousef
23 years old female injured
Fida Yousef
19 years old female injured
Ayya al-Yusuf
16 years old female injured

The victims were named as:

Sabah Isa
40 years old female injured
Ayah, the daughter of Fida Hikmat Yousef
12 years old female killed
Amira Yousef
12 years old killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    3 – 5
  • (2 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–10
  • 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 (20) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (30) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Footage showing casualties and injured civilians following an alleged Turkish shelling of Kafar Anton village, Shahaba, July 3rd. (via AylinaKilic)
  • Map tweeted showing the location of the alleged Turkish airstrike on Kafar Anton village, Shahaba, 3rd July 2017. (via Ali Ozkok)
  • Fires in the aftermath of an alleged Turkish airstrike on Kafar Anton village, Shahaba, 3rd July 2017. (via Ali Ozkok)
  • Fires in the aftermath of an alleged Turkish airstrike on Kafar Anton village, Shahaba, 3rd July 2017. (via Ali Ozkok)
  • Fires in the aftermath of an alleged Turkish airstrike on Kafar Anton village, Shahaba, 3rd July 2017. (via Ali Ozkok)
  • Fires in the aftermath of an alleged Turkish airstrike on Kafar Anton village, Shahaba, 3rd July 2017. (via Ali Ozkok)
  • The exact moment an alleged Turkish airstrike hit Kafar Anton village, Shahaba, 3rd July 2017. (via Ali Ozkok)
  • An injured child recives medical treatment in the aftermath of an alleged Turkish airstrike which targeted Kafar Anton village, Shahaba, 3rd July 2017. (via Pyd rojava)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A video interviewsing injued civilians in the aftermath of an alleged Turkish airstrike which targeted Kafar Anton village, Shahaba, 3rd July 2017. (via Hevallo)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Compilation of images documenting the alleged Turkish airstrike which targeted Kafar Anton village, Shahaba, 3rd July 2017. (via Pyd rojava)
  • Footage showing civilians homes which were destroyed in the alleged Turkish airstrike which targeted Kafar Anton village, Shahaba, 3rd July 2017. (via Erica)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A video of the aftermath of the alleged Turkish airstrike which targeted Kafar Anton village, Shahaba, 3rd July 2017. (via Erica)
  • An injured child recives medical treatment in the aftermath of an alleged Turkish airstrike which targeted Kafar Anton village, Shahaba, 3rd July 2017. (via SOHR)
  • An injured child recives medical treatment in the aftermath of an alleged Turkish airstrike which targeted Kafar Anton village, Shahaba, 3rd July 2017. (via SOHR)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    An injured child recives medical treatment in the aftermath of an alleged Turkish airstrike which targeted Kafar Anton village, Shahaba, 3rd July 2017. (via SOHR)
  • An injured child recives medical treatment in the aftermath of an alleged Turkish airstrike which targeted Kafar Anton village, Shahaba, 3rd July 2017. (via SOHR)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Either injured or deceased civilians in the aftermath of an alleged Turkish airstrike which targeted Kafar Anton village, Shahaba, 3rd July 2017. (via SOHR)
  • An injured child recives medical treatment in the aftermath of an alleged Turkish airstrike which targeted Kafar Anton village, Shahaba, 3rd July 2017. (via SOHR)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Either an injured or deceased civilian in the aftermath of an alleged Turkish airstrike which targeted Kafar Anton village, Shahaba, 3rd July 2017. (via Aylina Kilic)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Either an injured or deceased civilian in the aftermath of an alleged Turkish airstrike which targeted Kafar Anton village, Shahaba, 3rd July 2017. (via Aylina Kilic)
  • An injured woman recives medical treatment in the aftermath of an alleged Turkish airstrike which targeted Kafar Anton village, Shahaba, 3rd July 2017. (via Aylina Kilic)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Either an injured or deceased civilian in the aftermath of an alleged Turkish airstrike which targeted Kafar Anton village, Shahaba, 3rd July 2017. (via Al itihad press)
  • Destruction in Kafar Anton village, Shahaba, following an alleged Turkish airstrike. 3rd July 2017. NOTE it is not clear whether these images of rubble are fromt his specific incident or not, however the report they come from refers to this incident. (via Manbij.org)
  • Destruction in Kafar Anton village, Shahaba, following an alleged Turkish airstrike. 3rd July 2017. NOTE it is not clear whether these images of rubble are fromt his specific incident or not, however the report they come from refers to this incident. (via Manbij.org)
  • Destruction in Kafar Anton village, Shahaba, following an alleged Turkish airstrike. 3rd July 2017. NOTE it is not clear whether these images of rubble are fromt his specific incident or not, however the report they come from refers to this incident. (via Manbij.org)
  • Destruction in Kafar Anton village, Shahaba, following an alleged Turkish airstrike. 3rd July 2017. NOTE it is not clear whether these images of rubble are fromt his specific incident or not, however the report they come from refers to this incident. (via Manbij.org)
  • Destruction in Kafar Anton village, Shahaba, following an alleged Turkish airstrike. 3rd July 2017. NOTE it is not clear whether these images of rubble are fromt his specific incident or not, however the report they come from refers to this incident. (via Manbij.org)
  • Destruction in Kafar Anton village, Shahaba, following an alleged Turkish airstrike. 3rd July 2017. NOTE it is not clear whether these images of rubble are fromt his specific incident or not, however the report they come from refers to this incident. (via Manbij.org)
  • Destruction in Kafar Anton village, Shahaba, following an alleged Turkish airstrike. 3rd July 2017. NOTE it is not clear whether these images of rubble are fromt his specific incident or not, however the report they come from refers to this incident. (via Manbij.org)
  • Destruction in Kafar Anton village, Shahaba, following an alleged Turkish airstrike. 3rd July 2017. NOTE it is not clear whether these images of rubble are fromt his specific incident or not, however the report they come from refers to this incident. (via Manbij.org)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Kafar Anton village, Shahaba (كفرعنطون), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.506389, 37.039444. 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
    3 – 5
  • (2 children1 woman)
  • Civilians reported injured
    4–10
  • 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 (20) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS085

Incident date

June 22, 2017

Location

رأس العين ﺍﻟﺮﺍﻭﻳﺔ , al Rawiya village, Ras al Ain, Hassaka, Syria

Geolocation

36.729444, 39.818611 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three civilians were wounded in an alleged Turkish shelling of al Rawiya village, Ras al Ain, according to sources on the ground.

Al Hassaka Rasd reported that “two women and a girl were injured by a shell fired from the Turkish side on the village of #Rawiya in the region of Ras al-Ain in the north-western province of Hasaka, according to the director of Al-Qamishli Hospital”.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also reported the casualties – and pointed towards a Turkish shell.

According to SANA, the Syrian news agency, “two women and one girl were seriously injured by a rocket-propelled grenade fired from Turkish territory on the village of Al-Rawiya in the Ain al-Arab area in the northern countryside of Al-Hasakah last night [June 22nd].”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of al Rawiya village, Ras al Ain (رأس العين ﺍﻟﺮﺍﻭﻳﺔ ), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.729444, 39.818611. 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
    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

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS084

Incident date

April 25, 2017

Location

المالكية, Several locations in al Malkiya, northern Hassaka, Syria

Geolocation

37.176729, 42.135643 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two civilians werereportedly wounded in alleged Turkish strikes on Kurdish militias on Several locations in al Malkiya, according to a single source.

Reports said that between 20 and Kurdish forces were killed with up to 18 wounded; however, there were also some vague references to civilian harm – though it appears that most credible claims are of military casualties aside from two civilians injured, according to a report by AFP.

Mohammad al Khateeb [a Syrian journalist from Aleppo Medic centre] reported that “20 Kurdish security forces killed and 18 wounded by Turkish raids on Mount Karachuk in rural Hasaka” – according to a statement issued by the PKK.

Sherzad Omar published a Turkish army video of the raids on Mount Shangal and Mount Karajukh [kratchuk].

According to Euphrates Post: “The bombing resulted in the destruction of the headquarters of the Kurdish People Protection Units, in addition to the destruction of the Petra communication station and tower on Mount Karachuk and the radio tower and the destruction of the radio station ‘Voice Rojava’ belonging to the YPG units”.

Sharqiya Voice reported that “more than 70 Kurdish militia members were killed and more than 10 critical cases were transferred to al-Qamishli hospitals as a result of the Turkish air strikes on Mount Karkuk and a number of military points in the Maalik countryside and Mount Sinjar. No civilian casualties were reported.”

The spokesman for the Kurdish People’s Protection Units, Redor Khalil, told Akhbar al yaom that “the shelling also caused significant damage to the site and damage to civilian property near the target area”.

Rai al youm [quoting AFP] added that “there were 20 martyrs and 18 wounded from Kurdish units, three of them in critical condition. Additionally, two civilians were wounded, according to the official spokesman of the units, Redor Khalil”.

Ennabbaladi added that five members of the Peshmerga were killed “by mistake during the bombing”.

Rudaw published images showing “US military commanders visiting Mount Kratchuk in Direk in the Kurdistan region of Syria after it was hit by a Turkish bomb on Tuesday [April 25th].”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

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

Sources (17) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • 'US military commanders visit Mount Kratchuk in Direk in the Kurdistan region of Syria after being hit by a Turkish bomb on Tuesday [April 25th]'. (via Rudaw)
  • Northern Hassaka - al Malkiya - in Kratchouk mountain after Turkish air force targeted YPG - photos showing the extent of the destruction caused to the positions of the separatist militias. The attack caused the total destruction of the building and around 20 dead and dozens injured -all members of the militia. (via EuphratesPost)
  • Turkish Army video f the raids on Mount Shangal and Mount Karajukh [kratchuk]. (via Sherzad Omar)
  • US aircrafts arrive at (Karachuk) mount after the latter was shelled by Turkish warplanes and the spokesman of YPG forces holds a press conference at the shelled site. (via Welat FM facebook)
  • Translation: northern hassaka countryside - a delegation from the international coalition accompanied by leaders from the kurdish militia units inspect the positions that were targeted by the Turkish air force. (via Euphrates Post facebook)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Several locations in al Malkiya (المالكية), for which the generic coordinates are: 37.176729, 42.135643. 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
    2
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Weak
    Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military

Sources (17) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS083 CS514

Incident date

February 20, 2017

Location

الباب, Al Bab city, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.371972, 37.51631 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 12 and 29 civilians including up to five children and five women died in airstrikes on Al Bab, according to local media – though sources were conflicted as to whether this was the work of Turkey or the US-led Coalition.

According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, “The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights documented today a massacre that took the lives of a family of 11 men and a woman and a child, they were killed by raids by Turkish warplanes and the shells of their forces that fell on the city”.

Syria News Desk said that five children died in the Turkish bombing.

However, the Syrian Network for Human Rights blamed the Coalition for the death of 12 civilians, including 5 children and 4 women”.

Al Hayat also pointed to the Coalition, reporting that “29 were killed and four buildings destroyed  in the coalition air strikes”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Mohammad Kheir Omar Bat-hish
Adult male killed
his wife Hamida Bat-hish
Adult female killed

Family members (3)

Hussein al Haj Ahmad Bat-hish
Adult male killed
his wife Nadwa Hamdan
Adult female pregnant killed
7 month old foetus
Child killed

Family members (4)

Omar Hussein Bat-hish
Adult male killed
his wife
Adult female daughter of Adel al Najeh Al Hamdo al Saleh killed
Hissan Omar Bat-hish
4 years old male killed
Mohammad Omar Bat-hish
3 years old male killed

The victims were named as:

Unidentified child
1 years old female killed
the wife of Mahmoud Hussein Bat-hish
Adult female daughter of Alaa al Othman killed
the child Hassan Mahmoud Bat-hish
Child killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 29
  • (4–5 children5 women4 men)
  • 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 attackers
    US-led Coalition, Turkish Military

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Al Bab city (الباب), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.371972, 37.51631. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Jun 2, 2017

  • After a review of available information and strike video it was assessed that there is insufficient information available to determine if civilians were present or harmed in this strike.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For February 19th-20th, the Coalition reported: “Near Al Bab, one strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit.” For February 20th-21st, they reported: “Near Al Bab, three strikes engaged two ISIS tactical units, destroyed four ISIS-held buildings, and damaged an ISIS-held building.”

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    12 – 29
  • (4–5 children5 women4 men)
  • 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 attackers
    US-led Coalition, Turkish Military

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS082

Incident date

February 17, 2017

Location

الباب, Al Bab city, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.371972, 37.51631 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between four and nine civilians including one woman died in alleged Turkish strikes on Al Bab, according to local media.

The victims were also named by Syrian Human Rights Committee, who blamed Turkey as well.

In a MTV Lebanon video on February 17th – at 0’15, the voice over states that  “the Turkish army announced that it is near to completing the operation of taking control of the city of al Bab From Daesh.  Nine civilians were killed. Ankara reported the deaths of 13 members of Daesh”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mohammad Abd al Basset al Bakri
Age unknown male named by Al Bab and its outskirts coordination group on Facebook killed
Zaher Mohammad Juma’a Sheikh Wees
Adult male named by Al Bab and its outskirts coordination group on Facebook killed
Amina al Kalzi
Adult female Zaher’s wife, named by Al Bab and its outskirts coordination group on Facebook killed
Saleh Hussein al Jabli
Age unknown male named by Al Bab and its outskirts coordination group on Facebook killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4 – 9
  • (1 woman1 man)
  • 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 (1) [ collapse]

  • News bulletin of the incident on Al Bab with alleged Turlish airstrike on 17th Feb 2017. (via MTV Lebanon)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Al Bab city (الباب), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.371972, 37.51631. 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
    4 – 9
  • (1 woman1 man)
  • 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]

Incident Code

CS498 TS081

Incident date

February 16, 2017

Location

الباب, Al-Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.371972, 37.5179666 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between 18 and 50 civilians died in an airstrike on Al Bab, according to local sources. While the Syrian Network for Human Rights, reported that ten civilians including two children and four women died in an alleged Coalition airstrie, other sources blamed Tiurkey.

A second report by SN4HR said that “International Coalition warplanes missiles fired on the makeshift hospital in Al Bab city in Aleppo governorate eastern suburbs, severely damaging its building and rendering it inoperable”.

However, Syria News Desk reported that the “Turkish army targeted the eastern neighborhoods in al Bab with several air strikes and artillery shells, resulting in deaths of 23 civilians, including children”.

According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, “Ibrahim Adel Al Shehabi, a dentist, died along with his children in Der’ Al Furat forces artillery (supported by Turkish forces) shells fired on Al Bab city.”

They also reported the death of three civilians from the same family including a woman.

The Syrian Observatory also attributed the incident to Turkey, reporting that “a massacre was carried out by the Turkish forces, it is not the first one, and may not be the last, but it is a ring in a long series of massacres committed in al-Bab city. This time the victims of the massacre were 10 civilians from two families. They are a doctor and two of his sons under the age of 18, in addition to three men and three women and a child under the age of 18 from the same family. All of them were killed in the continuous Turkish artillery shelling and aerial bombardment on al-Bab city”.

Syria News Desk said that 23 or 25 civilians died from Turkish shelling.

France 24 wrote that 34 civilians were killed, 17 of them children.

Hara FM quoted the ISIS propaganda outlet Al A’amaq who gave the highest death toll at 50.

Al Jazeera did not mention civilian harm but said 77 targets in Al Bab were hit by the Turkish forces.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (3)

Ibrahim Adel al Shihabi
Adult male killed
Sahib Ibrahim al Shihabi
Age unknown male killed
Hathifa Ibrahim al Shihabi
Age unknown male killed

Family members (10)

Adnan Ibrahim Falaha
Age unknown male killed
Adnan Ibrahim Falaha's sister
Age unknown female killed
Adnan Ibrahim Falaha's wife
Age unknown female killed
Hamdo Ibrahim Falaha's wife
Age unknown female killed
Ibrahim Hamdo al Falaha
Age unknown male killed
Ibrahim Hamdo al Falaha's wife
Age unknown female killed
Adnan Hamdo al Falaha
Child male killed
Saad Hamdo al Falaha
Child male killed
Adnan Ibrahim Falaha
Age unknown male killed
Mutassam Ibrahim Falaha
Age unknown male killed

Family members (3)

Saleh Dib al Shirkat
Age unknown male killed
Jihad Saleh Dib al Shirkat
Age unknown male killed
Saleh mohammad Dib al Shirkat's wife
Age unknown female killed

The victims were named as:

Ahmad Mahmoud al Baki
Age unknown male killed
Abd al Basset Kadro al Dibo
Age unknown male killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    18 – 50
  • (2 children5 women)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Turkish Military

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    'A’maq: 50 civilian martyrs by shelling on the door of the eastern suburb of Aleppo'
  • 'Photos of the city # of al bab of the eastern end of the mountain shows clear smoke poles in the city because of the clashes and shelling currently underway, and there is no truth to the news that the city is liberated or free of civilians.' (via Al bab city and its neighbourhood coordination)
  • 'Photos of the city # of al bab of the eastern end of the mountain shows clear smoke poles in the city because of the clashes and shelling currently underway, and there is no truth to the news that the city is liberated or free of civilians.' (via Al bab city and its neighbourhood coordination)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Al-Bab (الباب), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.371972, 37.5179666. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

CJTF–OIR Declassified Assessment and Press Release

Attached to this civilian harm incident is a provisional reconciliation of the Pentagon's declassified assessment of this civilian harm allegation, based on matching date and locational information.

The declassified documents were obtained by Azmat Khan and the New York Times through Freedom of Information requests and lawsuits filed since March 2017, and are included alongside the corresponding press release published by the Pentagon. Airwars is currently analysing the contents of each file, and will update our own assessments accordingly.

Declassified Assessment Press Release

US-led Coalition Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US-led Coalition
  • US-led Coalition position on incident
    Non credible / Unsubstantiated
    Insufficient information to assess that, more likely than not, a Coalition strike resulted in civilian casualties.
  • Reason for non-credible assessment
    No Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area
  • Civilian deaths conceded
    None
  • Civilian injuries conceded
    None
  • Stated location
    near Al Bab (Aleppo), Syria
    Nearest population center
  • Location accuracy
    1 m
  • MGRS coordinate
    37SDV5821365352
    Military Grid Reference System

Civilian casualty statements

US-led Coalition
  • Sep 29, 2017

  • After a review of available information it was assessed that no Coalition strikes were conducted in the geographical area that correspond to the report of civilian casualties.

Original strike reports

US-led Coalition
Official source

For February 16th-17th, the Coalition reported: “Near Al Bab, one strike destroyed a decoy tactical vehicle.”

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    18 – 50
  • (2 children5 women)
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Contested
    Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
  • Suspected attackers
    US-led Coalition, Turkish Military

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS080

Incident date

February 15, 2017

Location

الباب, Al Bab, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.3709658, 37.5179666 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between seven and 26 civilians including many women and children were reportedly killed in alleged Turkish airstrikes on Al Bab.

Al Bab 24 posted on Facebook that “seven people were killed following Turkish air and artillery bombardment on Al Bab northeast of Aleppo.”

The ISIS propaganda outlet Al Raed La Ykazeb Ahlahu initially agreed with that reporting.

LCCSY said that 27 civilians in the Aleppo governorate were killed, most of them in Al Bab.

Al Raed La Ykazeb Ahlahu and the Hezbollah outlet Almanar TV both reported 50 civilians dead, most of them women and children in Al Bab “during the last three days” from February 15.

HNN gave the highest death toll at 26 and listed the victims:

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Mohammad al Hasri
Age unknown male killed
Joumana al Taweel
Age unknown female killed
Rama al Masri
Child female killed
Sidra al Masri
Child female killed
Bilal al Masri
Child male killed
Abir al Shalal
Age unknown male killed
Abdo Mohamamd al Hasri
Child male killed
Radwan Mohammad al Hasri
Child male killed
Rahaf Mohammad al Hasri
Child male killed
Hasnaa Al Hasri
Age unknown female killed
Hasnaa Al Hasri's sister
Age unknown female killed
Ghassan al Hasri
Adult male killed
Ghassan al Hasri's wife
Adult female killed
Huda al Shawwaf
Age unknown female killed
Ahmad Hassan al Suweid
Adult male killed
Ahmad Hassan al Suweid's wife
Adult female killed
Ahmad Hassan al Suweid's child
Child male killed
Ahmad Hassan al Suweid's child
Child female killed
Ahmad Mahmoud al Suweid
Adult male killed
Abd al Ghaffar Nassani's wife
Adult female killed
Abd al Ghaffar Nassani's child
Child female killed
Abd al Ghaffar Nassani's child
Child female killed
Abd al Ghaffar Nassani's child
Child male killed
Abd al Ghaffar Nassani's child
Child male killed
Mustapha al Sweid
Age unknown male killed
Fatima Khaled al Kahhat
Age unknown female killed

Summary

  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    7 – 26
  • (12 children3–8 women2–6 men)
  • 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]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Al Bab (الباب), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.3709658, 37.5179666. 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
    7 – 26
  • (12 children3–8 women2–6 men)
  • 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]