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 Date Publication Date

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

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

Incident Date

26 October 2019

Incident Code

TS370

Location

أبو هيا, Abu Haya, Raqqa, Syria
A civilian aged 80 was reported injured after being shot allegedly by Turkey-back militants in Abu Haya, Tal Abyad in Raqqa Governorate on October 26th, 2019 according to local sources. The civilian was identified as Jesus Khelil who according to ANF News, was shot in front of his house. Other sources said the civilian was…

Summary

Published
26 October 2019
Civilians reported injured
1
Causes of Death / Injury
Small arms and light weapons
Military Actor
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident Date

26 October 2019

Incident Code

TS369

Location

الأسدية, Al Assadiya, Al Hassakah, Syria
Two civilians were reported injured in an alleged Turkish forces attack on Assadiya village, Ras Al Ain in Hassakah Governorate on October 26th, 2019 according to local sources. The two civilians were identified as Mary Khelef Mihemed (55) and Mihemed Mustafa Tahir (age unknown).

Summary

Published
26 October 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported injured
2
Military Actor
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident Date

26 October 2019

Incident Code

TS368

Location

بطون رأس العين عند تل تمر , Xirbet Qerac, Xirbet Qerac, between Ras Al Ayn and Tal Tamr, Al Hassakah, Syria
One woman was reported killed and four others injured in an alleged artillery attack by Turkey-backed militants in Kherbet Qerac, between Ras al-Ain and Tal Temir on October 26th, 2019 according to local sources. The victim, aged 30, was identified by ANHA and other sources as Khewla Khidir Deham. According to ANF and @baxtiyarumut, Khewla…

Summary

Published
26 October 2019
Strike Type
Artillery
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
4
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Turkish Military
View Incident