Conflict

Turkish Military in Iraq & Syria

Incident Code

TS701

Location

عين عيسى, M4 international road in the countryside of Ain Issa, Raqqa, northeastern Syria, Raqqa, Syria

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 26, 2024

During the afternoon of 14 July 2024, a young civilian man named Khaled Reda Haji Abdo was reportedly killed and another young civilian man named Khattab Ramadan Saad was injured when Turkish forces allegedly bombed the M4 international road in the countryside of the town Ain Issa in Raqqa Governorate, northeastern Syria.

Multiple news sources reported the attack and the death of Khaled Reda Haji Abdo who was reportedly a civilian worker contracted with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The sources also reported that Khattab was injured in the attack and taken to hospital but his condition was not made clear. Hawar News shared the image of the two young men lying on hospital beds.

Ugarit Post News reported that the Turkish attack was launched on land controlled by the SDF, and in particular focused on military tunnels being used by the SDF in the countryside. Ugarit Post and other news sources described Khaled as a civilian worker contracted with the SDF and was responsible for digging some of these tunnels.

The Rasd Syria Network for Human Rights reported that Khaled was digging tunnels for the SDF at the time of the attack. The Network noted that the SDF was illegally using civilians for military purposes and called on them to adhere to international law.

Where sources identified the belligerent, all sources attributed the attack to the Turkish armed forces and their associated mercenaries.

Victims

Individuals

Khaled Reda Haji Abdo خالد رضا حاجي عبده
male killed
Khattab Ramadan Saad خطاب رمضان سعد
male injured

Key Information

Country
Military Actor
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Strike Status
Likely strike
Civilian Harm Reported
Yes
Civilian Harm Status
Fair
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Civilians reported killed
1
1 Man
Civilians reported injured
1
1 Man

Military Statements

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

Media From Sources (1)