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

16 October 2019

Incident Code

TS350d

Location

راس العين, Ras Al Ain, Al Hassakah, Syria
The Kurdish Red Crescent reported that up to seven civilians, including two children,  were injured in an alleged Turkish forces attack on Ras Al Ayn, Hassakah in Syria on October 16th, 2019.  

Summary

Published
16 October 2019
Civilians reported injured
7
Military Actor
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident Date

16 October 2019

Incident Code

TS350C

Location

رأس العين, Ras Al Ain, Al Hassakah, Syria
Four civilians were reported injured after being shot on October 16th, 2019 according to local sources. Other sources also reported "a violent attack by Turkish-backed armed factions on top of  Ras Al Ain".

Summary

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

Incident Date

15 October 2019

Incident Code

TS343

Location

ابو سرة, Abu Surra, Raqqa, Syria
Two civilians died and another was wounded in an alleged Turkish attack on a car carrying civilians, multiple sources reported. @thefinalwar tweeted" "The Turkish state and its gangs attacked a vehicle belonging to civilians in the village of Abu Sirê to the west of Eyn Isa. Two civilians were martyred and one civilian was injured…

Summary

Published
15 October 2019
Strike Type
Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
1
Causes of Death / Injury
Unknown
Military Actor
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident Date

15 October 2019

Incident Code

TS342

Location

الفارات, Al Farat, Aleppo, Syria
Multiple sources reported that 2 civilians were killed and 15 people were injured in an alleged Turkish shelling in the village of Al Farat, west of Manbij. In a Kurdish Red Crescent document shared with Airwars, 15 people have been identified as injured, among which 10 children (including a child whose name is mentioned twice…

Summary

Published
15 October 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
14–15
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident Date

15 October 2019

Incident Code

TS343b

Location

كوباني, Kobane, Aleppo, Syria
According to the Kurdish Red Crescent, Fayad Haj Osman (Male), aged 38 from Kobane was wounded by gunshot.

Summary

Published
15 October 2019
Civilians reported injured
1
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Turkish Military
View Incident

Incident Date

15 October 2019

Incident Code

TS343a

Location

عين عيسى, Ain Issa, Raqqa, Syria
One woman was reported killed in an alleged Turkish forces attack on Ain Issa in Raqqa governorate in Syria on October 15th, 2019 according to the Kurdish Red Crescent. No further details available at the moment.

Summary

Published
15 October 2019
Civilians reported killed
1
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
Turkish Military
View Incident