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

19 October 2019

Incident Code

TS350B

Location

راس العين, Ras Al Ain, Al Hassakah, Syria
According to the Kurdish Red Crescent, four people were reported injured with a bomb fragments, allegedly launched by a Turkish forces attack on Ras Al Ain on October 19th, 2019. Other sources also reported a Turkish attack.  

Summary

Published
19 October 2019
Civilians reported injured
4
Military Actor
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident Date

18 October 2019

Incident Code

TS358

Location

رأس العين, Ras Al Ain, Al Hassakah, Syria
Five civilians reportedly died in an alleged Turkish airstrike on a convoy in Ras Al Ain. ameddicleT said: "The Turkish state bombed the convoy of civilians from Serêkaniyê from the Cizre region. [We're] Unable to obtain clear information on bombing results". But laraseligman tweeted:  "A Kurdish source tells me 'there is no ceasefire at all.' There…

Summary

Published
18 October 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
5
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident Date

18 October 2019

Incident Code

TS357

Location

Zirgan, Al Hassakah, Syria
Three civilians died and between eight and 16 more were wounded in alleged Turkish airstrikes on Zirgan, Ras al-Ain, according to sources on the ground. Hawar reported: "Of the 8 civilians injured as a result of the bombing, three of them were killed." @TurkANHA also put the death toll at three civilians, with 12 more…

Summary

Published
18 October 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
8–16
Military Actor
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident Date

18 October 2019

Incident Code

TS356

Location

باب الخير, Bab Al Kheir, Al Hassakah, Syria
Local media reported that between five and eight civilians died and up to 24 more were wounded in alleged Turkish airstrikes on Bab Al Kheir village. Aawsat said: "Five civilians were killed in a Turkish raid on a village in northeastern Syria, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman…

Summary

Published
18 October 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
5–8
Civilians reported injured
20–24
Military actors reported killed
5
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident Date

18 October 2019

Incident Code

TS359B

Location

Tirbe Sipiye, Al Hassakah, Syria
Three civilians including a child were reported injured in alleged Turkish forces attack on Tirbe Sipiye in Hassaka Governorate on October 18th, 2019 according to local sources.

Summary

Published
18 October 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported injured
3
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident Date

18 October 2019

Incident Code

TS359a

Location

كوباني, Kobane, Aleppo, Syria
One civilian was reported killed and two injured in an alleged Turkish forces airstrike or artillery attack on Kobane in Aleppo Governorate  on October 18th, 2019, according to the Kurdish Red Crescent.  

Summary

Published
18 October 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported killed
1
Civilians reported injured
2
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Turkish Military
View Incident