On Wednesday, 12 December 2024, a civilian car carrying 11 people came under gunfire as it crossed the Qara Qozak Bridge located southwest of Kobani in the Manbij district in the northern countryside of Aleppo, Syria. The attack resulted in the death of a woman, Zahida Ahmed Buzan (Kosi). Her eight-year-old grandson, Joan Barkal, her brother-in-law, Mohamed Othman, and another relative, a woman, Zulekha Mohammed, were injured, while some sources alleged that Zahida’s children were also injured. The family was travelling from Kobani to Manbij, trying to return to their home. Sources suggested the attack was allegedly carried out by Turkish-backed forces, with some specifically referring to the Syrian National Army.

Information about the incident was circulated by several local news outlets and Facebook users. Most, including Rojinews, reported only the death of the woman and the injury of the child. Details on the age of the deceased woman varied between 40, 50, and 60 years. Facebook accounts of ARTA Kobani and Arta.fm also reported that the children of Zahida were injured.

An article by North Press Agency provided more detailed information. North Press Agency claimed that the child Joan Barkel was shot in the shoulder, a woman Zulekha Mohammed was shot in the waist, and a man, Mohamed Othman, sustained only light injuries. All were treated at Kobani Hospital, and at the time of reporting, were in stable condition and under observation. The family was originally from the city of Manbij.

A photograph included in the North Press Agency article shows the vehicle—a metallic-painted van—with a bullet hole on the hood, consistent with small arms fire. A video released by Hawar News Agency showed a boy, Joan Barkel, in a hospital bed in Kobani connected to an IV drip. In the same video, a woman, presumably his mother or another family member, affirmed that they were suddenly attacked while moving in a car under a bridge.

Regarding responsibility, while some sources broadly referred to Turkish or Turkish-backed militias, others, including North Press Agency, claimed that the attack was carried out by the Turkish-affiliated Syrian National Army forces located on the opposite side of the bridge.