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

29 October 2019

Incident Code

TS374

Location

الرباط, Rabiat, Al Hassakah, Syria
One child aged 10 was reported injured in an alleged Turkish forces and/or Turkey- backed militants attack on Rabiat village, Zirgan in Hassakah governorate, on October 29th, 2019 according to local sources. The child was identified as Khidir Mihemed Tahir.

Summary

Published
29 October 2019
Strike Type
Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilians reported injured
1
Military Actor
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident Date

28 October 2019

Incident Code

TS373A

Location

عين عيسى, Ayn Issa, Raqqa, Syria
According to the Kurdish Red Crescent, one civilian was reported injured in an alleged Turkish attack on Ayn Issa, Raqqa in Syria on October 28th, 2019. The civilian was identified as Abdullah Mustafa Hussein, male, aged 37 and he was injured as a result of fragments.

Summary

Published
28 October 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported injured
1
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident Date

28 October 2019

Incident Code

TS373

Location

El Erîde, Raqqa, Syria
Two civilians were reported executed allegedly by Turkey forces and/or Turkey-backed militants in El Eride, Ain Issa in Raqqa governorate on October 28th 2019, according to local sources. ANHA and Politika identified the two victims as Mehmûd Zahêr (60 years old) and Berho Elo (65 years old). @Karl_hakon tweeted: "Turkish military and their mercenaries continue…

Summary

Published
28 October 2019
Strike Type
Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Causes of Death / Injury
Small arms and light weapons
Military Actor
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident Date

27 October 2019

Incident Code

TS371a

Location

كوباني, Kobane, Aleppo, Syria
One child aged seven was reported injured in an alleged Turkish forces attack on Kobane - Aleppo governorate in Syria on October 27th, 2019 according to the Kurdish Red Crescent. The child was identified as Galeb Ebrahim Muhammad.

Summary

Published
27 October 2019
Civilians reported injured
1
Military Actor
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident Date

26 October 2019

Incident Code

TS370a

Location

كوباني, Kobane, Aleppo, Syria
One civilian aged 17, named as Ahmad Khaled, was reported injured by an alleged Turkish forces attack on Kobane in Aleppo governorate - Syria on October 26th, 2019, according to the Kurdish Red Crescent. No more details available at the moment.

Summary

Published
26 October 2019
Civilians reported injured
1
Military Actor
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident Date

26 October 2019

Incident Code

TS371

Location

مقطرة, Meqtera, Raqqa, Syria
One civilian, Semîra Ana, suffered a heart attack due to fear brought on by Turkish attacks in Meqtera, Tal Abyad.  

Summary

Published
26 October 2019
Civilians reported injured
1
Causes of Death / Injury
Accidents related to conflict
Military Actor
Turkish Military
View Incident