Conflict

Turkish Military in Iraq & Syria

Incident Code

TS439

Location

Helincê, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.853527, 38.379450
Accuracy: Village

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

Three women were killed in alleged Turkish drone strikes on a civilian residence in the Kurdish village of Helincê, Aleppo governorate, on June 23rd, 2020, according to local sources. Two civilians were wounded.

Kurdistan24 reported that “a Turkish drone strike on Tuesday evening killed three civilian females at a residence in the village of Helincê, located outside the northern Syrian city of Kobani, according to local security forces.”

@ElhamAhmadSDC reported that the three women were active as women’s rights activists. ANF identified two of the victims as Zehra Berkel and Emine Veysi. Hawar News reported that Berkel was a coordinating member of the Kongra Star women’s movement. Reportedly, it was Veysi’s house that was targeted. The third victim was identified as Mizgin Xelil.

According to @DefteraRes, two other civilians were wounded.

The General Command of the Kurdish-led Internal Security Forces (ISF) wrote in an official statement: “We in the General Command of the Internal Security Forces (ISF) for Northeast Syria condemn the crimes of the Turkish occupation against our people and we also call on the International Coalition and the Russian Federation to do their duty.”

All sources blamed Turkey for the attack.

Victims

Individuals

30 years old female coordinating member of the Kongra Star women’s movement killed
Adult female killed
Adult female killed

Key Information

Country
Military Actor
Strike Type
Airstrike (Drone Strike)
Strike Status
Likely strike
Civilian Harm Reported
Yes
Civilian Harm Status
Fair
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Civilians reported killed
3
3 Women
Civilians reported injured
2

Geolocation Notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Helincê, for which the generic coordinates are: 36.853527, 38.379450. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Military Statements

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

Media From Sources (19)