Turkish Military in Iraq & Syria

Turkey fought numerous military actors after intervening militarily in the Syrian Civil War in 2015, primarily against Kurdish forces but also at times the Islamic State. In northern Iraq, Turkey’s military campaign against Kurdish militant groups has expanded in recent years.

Airwars has documented hundreds of allegations of civilian harm by Turkish strikes against Kurdish-affiliated forces in Iraq and Syria since 2015.

Airwars estimate of civilian deaths

1,009 – 1,493

Locally reported civilian deaths from declared or likely Turkish Military actions in Iraq and Syria for which the reporting was assessed by Airwars as Fair, or have been Confirmed by the Turkish Military. These originate from 980 separate alleged incidents.

215 – 242
children likely killed
150 – 170
women likely killed
2,439
likely injured
2,230
named victims

Turkish Military estimate of civilian deaths

0

Confirmed civilian deaths, from Turkish Military actions in Iraq and Syria, originating from 0 separate incidents of civilian harm.

civilians confirmed injured
Alleged deaths
1,752 – 2,484
Locally reported civilian deaths from Turkish Military actions in Iraq and Syria.
980 seperate alleged incidents
Confirmed or Fair
1,009 – 1,493
Civilian deaths for which the reporting was assessed by Airwars as Fair, or have been Confirmed by Turkish Military
731 seperate alleged incidents
Weak
116 – 134
Civilian deaths for which the reporting was assessed by Airwars as Weak.
164 seperate alleged incidents
Contested
326 – 556
Civilian deaths for which the reporting is assessed by Airwars as Contested.
82 seperate alleged incidents
Discounted
301
Civilian deaths were Discounted by Airwars after assessment.
2 seperate alleged incidents
969 incidents
Order results by:
Incident DatePublication Date

Incident Date

9 November 2019

Incident Code

TS388

Location

الهيشة, Al Hishah, Raqqa, Syria
Two civilians were reported killed and five others injured in an alleged Turkish forces drone strike on a group of civilians who worked in collecting cotton in Hishe/Kisha village, Ain Issa, Raqqa Governorate in Syria on November 9th, 2019 according to local sources. Hanî Ehmed Al-Rawî (25) was reported among the killed in the attack…

Summary

Published
9 November 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike (Drone Strike)
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
5
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident Date

8 November 2019

Incident Codes

TS385 RS4153

Location

سرمساخ, Sermisax, Al Hassakah, Syria
One civilian was reported killed and between five and ten others wounded allegedly when Turkish or Russian forces opened fire on protesters in Sermisax, in Qamishli - Syria on November 8th, 2019, according to local sources. ANHA reported that Serkheboon Ali was killed, and the following civilians were among the injured: Bahoz Çelo,  Fehed Mûsa,…

Summary

Published
8 November 2019
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
5–10
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Russian Military, Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident Date

6 November 2019

Incident Code

TS384

Location

جامع الصديق, Al Seddiqe Mosque, Aleppo, Syria
One civilian was reported killed and "many" injured in an alleged Turkey-backed militants' artillery attack on the Al-Cemîliye neighbourhood, in Aleppo, Syria, on November 6th, 2019 according to local sources. The Al Siddiqe Mosque was reportedly targeted. Some sources blamed the Jabhat al-Nusra group.

Summary

Published
6 November 2019
Strike Type
Artillery
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
5–8
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident Date

6 November 2019

Incident Code

TS383

Location

القنطري, Al Qenteri, Raqqa, Syria
One woman was reported injured in an alleged Turkish forces and/or Turkey-backed militants' attack on Qenteri village, Tal Abyad in Raqqa - Syria. The attack happened on November 6th 2019, according to local sources. No additional details are presently known.    

Summary

Published
6 November 2019
Civilians reported injured
1
Military Actor
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident Date

6 November 2019

Incident Code

TS384A

Location

تل تمر, Tal Tamr, Al Hassakah, Syria
Two civilians were reported injured in an alleged Turkish drone attack on SDF militants in Tal Tamr, Hasaka in Syria on Nov 6th, 2019, according to local sources. It was also reported that "18 SDF soldiers" were killed in the attack. No further details available.

Summary

Published
6 November 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike (Drone Strike)
Civilians reported injured
2
Military actors reported killed
18
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident Date

5 November 2019

Incident Code

TS382A

Location

كعن كورك, Kani Gawrk, Aleppo, Syria
An elderly civilian was reported killed after allegedly being assaulted by Turkey-backed militants in Kanî Gewirkê village, on the road between the city of Afrin and Jindiris, on November 5th 2019, according to local sources. kurdistan24.net reported that Suleyman Hamko, aged 73 was killed by militants who are believed to belong to the Suleyman Shah…

Summary

Published
5 November 2019
Strike Type
Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilians reported killed
1
Military Actor
Turkish Military
View Incident