Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

IRI004

Incident date

September 28, 2022

Location

كويسنجق, زرغوز, التون كوبري, Koya, Zargwez, Altun Kupri, Erbil/Sulaymaniyah/Kirkuk, Iraq

Geolocation

36.079082, 44.630527 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Additional Geolocations

35.387466, 45.480366 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map 35.754771, 44.142924 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

On September 28th, 2022, at around 10:30 am, dozens of Iranian missiles and drone strikes reportedly killed between 13 to 14 people, according to official fatality estimates, though some local media estimated that it could be up to 18. Between 58 to 62 others were injured. The strikes were conducted in a number of areas including Koysanjaq/Koya/Koy Sanjaq district, Bardi area and Prde area (Erbil governorate), Zargwez area/ Zarkwezela/ Zargwezalla residential complex (Sulaymaniyah governorate), Sherawa area, and Altun Kupri/Altun Kubri district in Kirkuk governorate.

While the exact number of civilians harmed remains unclear, local sources indicated that at least 13 across all locations were killed, including a pregnant woman, her one-day old infant, alonside at least one child, while at least another 58 were injured – including three journalists and likely a number of children.

Airwars decided not to split out these incidents into several assessments as it was not possible to clearly distinguish the casualties between the areas targeted. It remains unclear whether some locations hit by Iranian strikes were military training camps or if only civilian buildings were struck. Moreover, at the time of the strikes, sources were conflicted as to whether or not members of the parties were actively engaging in military activities. 

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the strikes. The Washington Post said “the headquarters of three Iranian Kurdish opposition parties who support the ongoing demonstrations inside Iran” were targeted by Iranian strikes: the Kurdish Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI) “in the Koya district, the Kurdish Komala Party in the village of Zarkwezela, in Sulaymaniyah province, and the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK) in Kirkuk province.” KDPI, PAK, and Komala were described by local sources as Iranian left-wing opposition parties with armed wings banned in Iran, and exiled in Northern Iraq. The New York Times, quoting the UN, added that the attacks hit “Iranian refugee settlements” and sources observed that a primary school inside a camp was also targeted. The Kurdish Ministry of Health recorded difficulties for the ambulances to reach remote mountainous areas hit.

A number of Komala militants were reportedly “lightly injured”. According to Human Rights Watch, IRGC said it targeted “the offices of Iranian opposition parties, referring to the targets as “terrorist bases.” However, “residents and witnesses told Human Rights Watch that some of the attacks struck towns and villages where the opposition parties were not conducting any military activity.” The NGO added that they “could not verify whether sites hit in mountainous regions that host military training activities by the opposition parties targeted, as Iranian authorities claimed.” Rudaw claimed that the sites targeted were “not military, but completely civilian”. The Washington Post reported that KDPI confirmed the deaths of two of its members”, while PAK also counted 2 of its members killed and a number of others injured. The UNHCR noted a “number of civilian casualties and injuries, including Iranian refugees – including women and children”, while ANF News stated that those injured were mostly civilians. “According to the South Kurdistan anti-terrorist services, 13 people, including a pregnant woman, were killed in the attacks, and 58 people, mostly civilians, were injured.” Local sources also recorded a number of militants killed or injured as well as soldiers injured.

At least 70 ballistic missiles and dozens of drones, launched from Iranian territory were reportedly used by IRGC according to Iraqi and Kurdish official sources. France 24, quoting Iraqi officials, said that Iran “carried out “twenty drones carrying explosive materials”. Rudaw added that “Iranian state media reported the use of Fath 360 missiles in the attack” as well as “Shahed-136 suicide drones”

KOYA – (ERBIL)

In Koya, KPDI headquarters were reportedly targeted. Tariq Haidari, mayor of the Iraqi Kurdish city of Koya, told Reuters that “two people including a pregnant woman were killed and 12 wounded. Some of the wounded were rushed in critical condition to hospital in Erbil” .  He added that Iranian drones targeted “a military camp, homes, offices and other areas around Koya”. UNHCR Iraq noted that strikes also hit an Iranian Kurdish refugee camp located in Koya district. According to a UNHCR official, “The attack caused damage to an elementary school where refugee students were present”.According to HRW quoting UNICEF, “the attacks in Koya struck a school in a refugee settlement, injuring two children and killing a pregnant woman.

-The pregnant woman was either identified as “Reyhane (Shima) Kanaani” “Rehana Kanaani”, “Shema”, “Jenin Rehan Kanaani “, “Reyhaneh Kanaani” or “Rihana Kan’ani”. She was said to be from Mariwan city. Sources reported that she was severely injured in front of a house by a rocket in Koya district and later died in a local hospital. @ShukriyaBradost Twitter account identified her as “Iranian Kurd”. Rudaw said she was 31 years old and engaged when she was killed. She was a KDPI member, as well as her husband, identified as Zanyar Rahmani, who was working as a peshmerga / KDPI militant. He told Rudaw :”the Revolutionary Guards sent me a message two minutes before the bombing, they said if you do not leave these parties, we will not leave your family”, and that following the bombing, he could not hear well. Rudaw reported that “after Rehana was transferred to the hospital in Koysanjak, the doctors were forced, as a result of her unstable health, to subject her to an early delivery operation to save her fetus. Rihana’s son was born and was named, at her request, as (Wanyar/Waniar ). Rihana died as a result of her severe injury, while Wanyar remained under intensive care, fighting a life-and-death struggle for a day and a half.” Rudaw reported that the infant died at 7 pm the next day. Rehana Kanaani’s death was acknowledged by the Mayor of Koya. A local source reported that the doctor supervising Wanyar’s health explained that the child suffers from lung problems that prevent the oxygen from reaching his brain sufficiently. Similar details were recorded by HRW, who explained that the victim “suffered injuries to the back of her hand and internal bleeding”, and also interviewed the victim’s husband : “Our home is one and half kilometers away from the party headquarters,” said Zanyar Rahmani, Kanaani’s husband, who works at the KDPI offices that were attacked. “[We live] in a camp for refugees, mostly women and children live there. The area where my wife and I live is not a military place, it is residential for civilians. Waniar suffered brain damage and also died. “My son was healthy [before the attack], until that moment all the sonograms showed he was healthy,” Rahmani said.” An alleged picture of Wanyar’s body carried by his father was published on social media, with the comment “The hardest moment in life is to carry your son’s body without a soul 😔-  Wanyar Rahini, who was martyred in an Iranian raid on his father’s arms”. 

HRW also interviewed a police officer without political affiliation, who stated that he saw children and security guards injured by the attacks. According to HRW, “the police officer said that the party offices are in a residential area where many Iranian refugees live. “We have never seen them doing any military activities in the headquarters because it’s located in a residential area,” the police officer said. “I am aware they have some military activities, but in the mountains, not in the cities.” Another resident of Koya who has no affiliation with the political parties targeted told Human Rights Watch the offices targeted are political offices only and do not host military activities.””

-@KhaderTai claimed that an American civilian was also killed during Iranian strikes on Koya, and shared an alleged screenshot of his American passport, describing him as Omer Mahmoudzadeh (Omar Mahmoudzadeh), 59 years old. @ElizHagedorn claimed that Omar Mahmoudzadeh, was “Iran-born” and “left the United States for Iraq in 2019 to join KDPI. Mahmoudzadeh’s wife and daughter in Virginia learned about his death via social media, and received a call from the State Department confirming early this morning. Khalid Azizi, a spokesman for the KDPI, described Mahmoudzadeh as a well-known party member and retired peshmerga fighter.” CNN said an American was killed by an Iranian rocket attack – the death was acknowledged by Washington.

-A woman, identified by sources as Hajar Karimi or as Hajer Zarka or Hajer Zrkar, in Al-Zanani, was reportedly killed during the Iranian shellings of the KDPI headquarters in Koya.

-A young girl was allegedly killed in Koya area after being wounded during the attacks. @layan_h8 twitted that she was in first grade of primary school. Other sources said that Iranian shellings on a primary school led to several kids injured.

-near Koya, PDKI officials recorded a number of journalists wounded.

According to Rudaw and the New York Times, around 700 families were displaced by these attacks, many of them Iranian refugees living in  a camp in the city of Koya. Another source said that “footage circulating on social media showed children screaming and running for shelter behind rocky outcroppings.“It was a quiet morning until the sound of bombing shook our house,” said Salar Ali, a 47-year-old farmer from Koysanjak. He immediately rushed to the school, where he was reunited with his 10-year-old son.”  A UNHCR official added “We are extremely shocked and concerned that the attack has impacted refugee families. It also impacted a school where refugee students were present.”

SULAYMANIYAH

A number of people suffered from “minor injuries” in Zargwez area according to France 24. They were identified as Komala party members by Rudaw. A Komala member interviewed by HRW said that “Our office is in a residential area (…) We don’t have any military activities. The residents of the complex are all refugees from Iran who escaped.” He said that the party does not conduct military activities out of the office that was hit.“I was in the Komala office in Zargwezalla when a drone hit just behind us,” said Anwar Qobadi, another Komala member. Qobadi is also a refugee who told Human Rights Watch he left Iran in 2010 after suffering human rights abuses by Iranian authorities. He said that everyone in the Zargwezalla resident complex is a refugee.After the first drone hit behind their office, Qobadi and two colleagues fled the building. “One minute later a missile and another drone hit the office, and shrapnel hit my back,” he said. “My colleagues were injured too and the building was destroyed. Nobody was killed.”
Reuters, quoting local sources, added that “drone strikes targeted at least 10 bases of Iranian Kurds near Sulaymaniyah”, without further precisions regarding potential civilian casualties. Komala oppositon Party militant said that 10 drones landed in Zargwez area. an Agence France-Presse reporter in Zargwez, quoted by France 24, observed “white smoke rising from the bombed site and ambulances heading to the place, while residents were leaving their homes. He added that a female doctor from the party was treating the wounded with minor injuries at the site.” Sources reported damaged and destroyed buildings.

KIRKUK

In Altun Kupri district of Kirkuk governorate, headquarters of the Kurdistan Freedom Party were similarly bombed.

-Iraqi-Kurdish channel “K24” reported that 3 of its journalists were “seriously injured.” Another source said that a correspondent and a cameraman for the channel Kurdistan 24 were reportedly injured. The reporter was identified as “Soran Kamran”, and one source added that he was seriously injured while he was covering “the Iranian bombing of Kurdish party headquarters in Altun Kupri district”.

LOCATION UNKNOWN

-Rudaw on Twitter counted 7 people killed by Iranian strikes, and posted pictures of them including their names, without specifying where the incidents occurred. One of the alleged victims, pictured not wearing a military uniform, was identified as Zakrous Mouhsen.

The incident occured at approximately 10:30 am local time.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Reyhane (Shima) Kanaani or Rehana Kanaani, or "Shema" or "Jenin Rehan Kanaani ",or "Reyhaneh Kanaani"
31 years old female pregnant killed
Waniar or Wanyar Kanaani
1 day years old male killed

The victims were named as:

Soran Kamran سوران كامران
Adult male Kurdistan 24 Correspondent injured
Omer Mahmoudzadeh
Adult male American KDPI militant killed
Hajar Karimi or as Hajer Zarka or Hajer Zrkar
Adult female KDPI militant killed
Anyar Rahimi
Child male killed
Zakrous Mouhsen
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian infrastructure
    IDP or refugee camp, School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    13 – 18
  • (2 children2 women1 man2 other civilian non-combatants)
  • Civilians reported injured
    58–62
  • Causes of injury / death
    Accidents related to conflict, Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Iranian Military
  • Suspected target
    Other

Sources (48) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (64) [ collapse]

  • On September 28th, 2022, a pregnant woman identified as Rehan Kanaani reportedly died of her injuries following an Iranian airstrike. Source: Iran Kurdistan in Arabic
  • Iranian shelling reportedly led to the destruction of the Komala Party headquarters in Zarghwiz village, on September 28th 2022. Source: Iran Kurdistan in Arabic
  • Iranian shelling reportedly led to the destruction of the Komala Party headquarters in Zarghwiz village, on September 28th 2022. Source: Iran Kurdistan in Arabic
  • Iranian shelling reportedly led to the destruction of the Komala Party headquarters in Zarghwiz village, on September 28th 2022. Source: Iran Kurdistan in Arabic
  • Iranian shelling on September 28th 2022 in Koya district reportedly led to the displacement of a number of children and refugees. Source: Iran Kurdistan in Arabic
  • Iranian shelling on September 28th 2022 in Koya district reportedly led to the displacement of a number of children and refugees. Source: Iran Kurdistan in Arabic
  • "Martyrs and wounded..Iranian bombing targets a number of areas inside Kurdistan Region Video..the moment of Iranian bombardment on sites belonging to the Democratic Party of the opposition to Iran near Koysinjak district, Erbil governorate "
  • A militant of the Kurdistan Freedom Party was reportedly killed by Iranian shelling on September 28th, 2022. Source: Fanar Mahoud Tami
  • Iranian Kurdistan in Arabic reported that militant Jenin Rehan Kanani was killed during the Iranian shelling in Iraqi Kurdistan on September 28th 2022.
  • Iranian bombing in the border areas of Iraqi Kurdistan
  • A picture including 3 militants and one woman - the source indicated that all of them were killed by Iranian shelling, on September 28th 2022, without further precisions. Source: Fanar Mahoud Tami
  • Students taking shelter from Iranian shelling on September 28th, 2022 in Koya district. Source: Fanar Mahoud Tami
  • Students taking shelter from Iranian shelling on September 28th, 2022 in Koya district. Source: Fanar Mahoud Tami
  • "The Iranian bombing of Koya in the Kurdistan region has caused 9 martyrs and 32 wounded so far "
  • Soran Karim, reporter, was reportedly seriously injured during Iranian shelling on September 28th, 2022. Source: Al Sulaminia
  • Iranian bombing of Koya district on September 28th, 2022. Source: Al Sulaminia
  • Abdulwahab talabani reported a number of people killed and injured by Iranian shelling on September 28th 2022 in Koya district. Source: Abdulwahab talabani
  • A young boy identified as Anyar Rahimi, reportedly killed by Iranian shelling on September 28th, 2022, carried by his father. Source: Penus
  • Alleged Iranian shelling targeting Koysinjak areas on September 28th 2022. Photo: @NEWSDailyArabic
  • Alleged Iranian shelling targeting Koysinjak areas on September 28th 2022. Photo: @NEWSDailyArabic
  • Alleged Iranian shelling targeting Koysinjak areas on September 28th 2022. Photo: @NEWSDailyArabic
  • On September 28th 2022, an Americain civilian was allegedly killed by Iranian shellings in various areas in Koya district. Photo:@KhaderTai
  • Alleged damage on buildings in Koya district following Iranian bombings on September 28th 2022. Photo: @kurdpa_farsi
  • Alleged damage on buildings in Koya district following Iranian bombings on September 28th 2022. Photo: @kurdpa_farsi
  • Alleged damage on buildings in Koya district following Iranian bombings on September 28th 2022. Photo: @kurdpa_farsi
  • Alleged damage on buildings in Koya district following Iranian bombings on September 28th 2022. Photo: @kurdpa_farsi
  • A woman identified as Hajar Karimi was reportedly killed during Iranian strikes on Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran headquarters in Koya district on September 28th 2022. Photo: @HengawO
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A young girl was allegedly killed during Iranian airstrikes on a primary school on September 28th 2022. Photo: @HengawO
  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    A child being treated by doctors following reported Iranian strikes on a primary school in Koya district on September 28th 2022. Photo: @chawshin_83
  • A soldier described as Alton Kobri being transported to Rojava hospital after being injured in reported Iranian airstrikes in Koya district. Photo: @rudaw_arabic
  • A soldier described as Alton Kobri being transported to Rojava hospital after being injured in reported Iranian airstrikes in Koya district. Photo: @rudaw_arabic
  • A soldier described as Alton Kobri being transported to Rojava hospital after being injured in reported Iranian airstrikes in Koya district. Photo: @rudaw_arabic
  • A soldier described as Alton Kobri being transported to Rojava hospital after being injured in reported Iranian airstrikes in Koya district. Photo: @rudaw_arabic
  • Picture of damaged headquarters of Iranian Kurdistan parties following reported Iranian airstrikes in Koya district on September 28th 2022. Photo: Rudaw arabia
  • Picture of damaged headquarters of Iranian Kurdistan parties following reported Iranian airstrikes in Koya district on September 28th 2022. Photo: Rudaw arabia
  • Picture of damaged headquarters of Iranian Kurdistan parties following reported Iranian airstrikes in Koya district on September 28th 2022. Photo: Rudaw arabia
  • Picture of damaged headquarters of Iranian Kurdistan parties following reported Iranian airstrikes in Koya district on September 28th 2022. Photo: Rudaw arabia
  • Picture of damaged headquarters of Iranian Kurdistan parties following reported Iranian airstrikes in Koya district on September 28th 2022. Photo: Rudaw arabia
  • Picture of damaged headquarters of Iranian Kurdistan parties following reported Iranian airstrikes in Koya district on September 28th 2022. Photo: Rudaw arabia
  • Picture of damaged headquarters of Iranian Kurdistan parties following reported Iranian airstrikes in Koya district on September 28th 2022. Photo: Rudaw arabia
  • Picture of damaged headquarters of Iranian Kurdistan parties following reported Iranian airstrikes in Koya district on September 28th 2022. Photo: Rudaw arabia
  • Picture of damaged headquarters of Iranian Kurdistan parties following reported Iranian airstrikes in Koya district on September 28th 2022. Photo: Rudaw arabia
  • Picture of damaged headquarters of Iranian Kurdistan parties following reported Iranian airstrikes in Koya district on September 28th 2022. Photo: Rudaw arabia
  • Picture of damaged headquarters of Iranian Kurdistan parties following reported Iranian airstrikes in Koya district on September 28th 2022. Photo: Rudaw arabia
  • Picture of damaged headquarters of Iranian Kurdistan parties following reported Iranian airstrikes in Koya district on September 28th 2022. Photo: Rudaw arabia
  • Picture of damaged headquarters of Iranian Kurdistan parties following reported Iranian airstrikes in Koya district on September 28th 2022. Photo: Rudaw arabia
  • Picture of damaged headquarters of Iranian Kurdistan parties following reported Iranian airstrikes in Koya district on September 28th 2022. Photo: Rudaw arabia
  • Picture of damaged headquarters of Iranian Kurdistan parties following reported Iranian airstrikes in Koya district on September 28th 2022. Photo: Rudaw arabia
  • Picture of damaged headquarters of Iranian Kurdistan parties following reported Iranian airstrikes in Koya district on September 28th 2022. Photo: Rudaw arabia
  • Pictures of 7 victims of reported Iranian strikes on September 28th 2022, according to Rudaw Arabic. Names from names from top-left to down-right Milad Bour Saheb Rihana Kan'ani Hajer Zrkar Zakrous Mouhsen Mohammed Khalili Mam Zana Shirko Bartni. Photo: @rudaw_arabic
  • The father of a child identified as Wanyar, reportedly killed during Iranian strikes, carrying his son's body. Photo: @rudaw_arabic
  • Smoke from the Iraqi Kurdistan headquarters of the Kurdish Democratic Party of Iran, after reported Iranian strikes on the outskirts of Kirkuk, Iraq September 28, 2022. Photo: REUTERS/Ako Rasheed
  • Komala Party Fighters in Zargwez also reported 10 Iranian drones hitting their buildings. Photo: AOAV/EPA
  • Komala Party Fighters in Zargwez also reported 10 Iranian drones hitting their buildings. Photo: AOAV/EPA
  • An alleged Iranian plane following reported Iranian bombings in Iraqi Kurdistan on September 28th 2022 . Photo: Buhar news
  • "A wounded man is transported to a hospital following an attack on the village of Altun Kupri, south of the regional capital of Erbil in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, September 28, 2022." Photo: SAFIN HAMED/AFP/GETTY /CBS News
  • "Kurdish fighters walk to inspect the damage following an Iranian cross-border attack in the area of Zargwez, where several exiled left-wing Iranian Kurdish parties maintain offices, near the Iraqi city of Sulaimaniyeh, September 28, 2022." Photo:AFP VIA GETTY/ CBS News
  • Picture of the pregnant woman reportedly killed during Iranian strikes on September 28th 2022 in Erbil. Photo: @ShukriyaBradost
  • Locations of the reported Iranian strikes on September 28th 2022. Photo: Seth Frantzman
  • "Iran drone footage of the attack in Koya". Photo: Seth Frantzman
  • Destruction following reported Iranian strikes on September 28th 2022 in Iraqi Kurdistan. Photo: ANF News
  • Smokes following reported Iranian shellings in Iraqi Kurdistan on Sept 28th 2022. Photo: Rudaw
  • Pictures of the infant and the pregnant woman reportedly killed following Iranian strikes in Koya area on September 28th 2022. Photo:Kareem Botane
  • Tombs of the pregnant woman and her infant killed by reported Iranian strikes in Koya. Photo: Kareem Botane

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Koya (كويسنجق), the village of Zargwez (زرغوز), and the town of Altun Kupri (التون كوبري). The generic coordinates for Koya are: 36.079082, 44.630527. The generic coordinates for Zargwez are: 35.387466, 45.480366. The generic coordinates for Altun Kupri are: 35.754771, 44.142924. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the locations further.

Iranian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Iranian Military
  • Iranian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian infrastructure
    IDP or refugee camp, School
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    13 – 18
  • (2 children2 women1 man2 other civilian non-combatants)
  • Civilians reported injured
    58–62
  • Causes of injury / death
    Accidents related to conflict, Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Iranian Military
  • Suspected target
    Other

Sources (48) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TI076

Incident date

February 1, 2022

Location

مخمور, Makhmur camp, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

35.755637, 43.603063 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least two civilians were killed and up to 17 others, including a woman, were injured in Turkish airstrikes on Makhmour refugee camp on February 1, 2022.

The correspondent of the Rudaw Media Network reported that Makhmour camp was subjected to Turkish bombardment six times and according to Makhmour Health, eight people were killed by the Turkish bombing, in addition to 17 others wounded, and the wounded were transferred to Qayyarah Hospital in Nineveh. Abdullah Taher, an official from the Kurdistan Democratic Party’s local committee indicated that there were fighters and civilians among the victims.

According to a tweet from @Kamaran_Mulla, two civilians were killed and 15 others were injured, and women and children were among the casualties. Images from Rudaw Media show at least one wounded woman and one wounded young man receiving medical treatment for their injuries. France24 reported that the wounded were in stable condition.

The alleged Turkish strikes hit Makhmour refugee camp, which is located south of the city of Erbil and and contains more than 12,000 refugees from Turkey’s Kurdish population. Rojava Information Center reported that Turkish planes bombed the camp 10 times while Altaghier TV identified six strikes carried out on Makhmour.

A statement from the Self-Defence Forces Command of the [Makhmour] Refugee Camp provided information that two members of the “self-defense forces” were killed during the attack and “civilians who tried to help their relatives were also targeted and dozens of them were injured. The injured civilians are receiving treatment in hospitals.”

The Turkish Ministry of National Defense released a statement declaring the strike the day of, stating that “In the Winter Eagle Operation carried out; shelters, bunkers, caves, tunnels, ammunition depots and so-called headquarters and training camps belonging to terrorists who threaten our country, nation and border security were targeted. In the planning and execution of the operation, maximum sensitivity was shown for the safety of life and property of the civilian population and the protection of the environment.”

Al Jazeera pointed out that Turkey cited the 51st article of the UN Charter, which states that “nothing in the present Charter shall impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-defence if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations, until the Security Council has taken measures necessary to maintain international peace and security”.

Rudaw News reported that the attack occurred “a few days after Turkey released a footage of its fortified bases deep inside the Iraqi territory with its soldiers patrolling the Kurdistan Region’s snow-capped mountains”.

Iraq’s Security Media Cell released a statement that “The Security Media Cell condemns the Turkish drone strikes on Tuesday evening in violation of Iraqi airspace in northern Iraq, specifically in Sinjar and Makhmour.”

The UN Assistance Mission for Iraq released a statement on twitter saying “Following airstrikes in Ninewa with civilian casualties reported, we reiterate that Iraqi sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected at all times. Local populations must be protected, disputes should be addressed through dialogue and cooperation.” They did not directly mention Turkish involvement.

The incident occured at 22:00:00 local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 6
  • Civilians reported injured
    15–17
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Known attacker
    Turkish Military
  • Known target
    Other
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2–6
  • Belligerents reported injured
    0–2

Sources (19) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (8) [ collapse]

  • Location of Makhmour refugee camp where alleged Turkish strikes killed and injured civilians on February 1, 2022. (Image posted by BasNews)
  • Makhmour refugee camp where alleged Turkish strikes killed and injured civilians on February 1, 2022. (Image posted by ANF)
  • A young man injured in Makhmour refugee camp where alleged Turkish strikes killed and injured civilians on February 1, 2022. (Image posted by Rudaw News)
  • A young man injured in Makhmour refugee camp where alleged Turkish strikes killed and injured civilians on February 1, 2022. (Image posted by Rudaw News)
  • A young man injured in Makhmour refugee camp where alleged Turkish strikes killed and injured civilians on February 1, 2022. (Image posted by Rudaw News)
  • A female injured in Makhmour refugee camp where alleged Turkish strikes killed and injured civilians on February 1, 2022. (Image posted by Rudaw News)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the Makhmour Refugee Camp (مخمور), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.755637, 43.603063. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Turkish Military Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    Turkish Military
  • Turkish Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

Turkish Military

By neutralizing the PKK/KCK/YPG and other terrorist elements; In order to eliminate the terrorist attacks against our people and security forces from the North of Iraq and Syria and to ensure our border security; In line with our self-defense rights arising from Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, the Winter Eagle Air Operation was carried out against terrorist nests in the Derik, Sinjar and Karacak regions in the North of Iraq and Syria, which are used as bases by terrorists.
In the Winter Eagle Operation carried out; shelters, bunkers, caves, tunnels, ammunition depots and so-called headquarters and training camps belonging to terrorists who threaten our country, nation and border security were targeted. In the planning and execution of the operation, maximum sensitivity was shown for the safety of life and property of the civilian population and the protection of the environment.
After the operation, in which mostly domestic and national ammunition was used, all of our aircraft returned safely to their bases.
The Turkish Armed Forces, who emerged from the bosom of our noble nation, will continue the fight against terrorism for the security of our country and nation with determination and determination until the last terrorist is neutralized.
It is announced to the public with respect.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2 – 6
  • Civilians reported injured
    15–17
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Known attacker
    Turkish Military
  • Known target
    Other
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2–6
  • Belligerents reported injured
    0–2

Sources (19) [ collapse]

Incident Code

R4426

Incident date

December 11, 2021

Location

الجديدة أو اليعقوبية, Al Jadida or Al Yaqoubia, Idlib, Syria

Airwars assessment

Between one and three civilians, including a child, were killed and 12 to 15 others, including up to nine children and four women, were injured in alleged Russian airstrikes on the town of Al Jadida or Al Yaqoubia on December 11, 2021.

According to Syrian Civil Defense, three people, including a child, were killed and 13 others, nine children and four women, were injured in Russian airstrikes near the town of Al-Jadida.

Shahba Press reported the location as being the town of Al-Yaqoubia and quoted a local source who said that the two Russian raids resulted in the death of three people and the wounding of 12 others, including women and children. Step News added that the injuries were of various degrees of severity.

Fact News and @thiqanewsagency provided a lower death toll of one civilian killed while Ugarit Post put the number of injured people at “about 15”.

Syrian Network for Human Rights identified two of the victims of the strikes as a man from Kafrta village in Jabal al Akrad in the suburbs of Latakia, named as Mustafa Ali Khadrou, and his child son Muhammad. Both were killed in the attack on Al-Jadida.

Activists told Shaam News that “Russian air strikes targeted the house of the leader “Abu Muslim al-Shishani” known as “Abu Muslim the Chechen”, the leader of the “Jund Allah” faction, in addition to an immigrant of Turkish nationality, and the homes of Syrian civilians residing in the area, displaced from Latakia countryside to the outskirts of the village of al-Jadida” Shaam also provided the toll that the bombing led to the death of three civilians, including a child, and wounding 13 civilians, 9 children and 4 women.

Syrian Observatory for Human Rights pointed out that “Abu Muslim al-Shishani” was not killed in the attack. A tweet from @thawraa_syr mentioned that sons of Abu Muslim and his wife were injured.

Fact News reported that there was significant material damage caused by the airstrikes and Zaman Al Wasl referred to “widespread destruction”, especially since the town included a large number of displaced people.

All of the sources that reported on the incident attributed the strikes to Russia. Syrian Observatory for Human Rights identified three thermobaric rockets as being used in the attack by Russian jets while Fact News referred to vacuum missiles. Zaman Al Wasl specified that the plane responsible for the airstrikes was a Russian Sukhoi-35 warplane.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Adult male from Kafrta village in Jabal al Akrad in the suburbs of Latakia killed
Child male from Kafrta village in Jabal al Akrad in the suburbs of Latakia killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 3
  • (1 child1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–15
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military
  • Suspected target
    Other

Sources (39) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (9) [ collapse]

  • White Helmets with one of the children injured in alleged Russian airstrikes near the town of Al-Jadida on December 11, 2021. (Image posted by Syrian Civil Defense)
  • White Helmets with the body of one of the victims killed in alleged Russian airstrikes near the town of Al-Jadida on December 11, 2021. (Image posted by Syrian Civil Defense)
  • White Helmets with the body of one of the victims killed in alleged Russian airstrikes near the town of Al-Jadida on December 11, 2021. (Image posted by Syrian Civil Defense)
  • White Helmets with the body of one of the victims killed in alleged Russian airstrikes near the town of Al-Jadida on December 11, 2021. (Image posted by Syrian Civil Defense)
  • The moment the Russian planes bombed the vicinity of the town of Al-Yaqoubia with missiles on December 11, 2021. (Image posted by Edlib Media Center)
  • The Russian plane that bombed the vicinity of the town of Al-Yaqoubia with missiles on December 11, 2021. (Image posted by Edlib Media Center)
  • Mustafa Ali Khadrou, and his child son Muhammad, killed in alleged Russian airstrikes on Al-Jadida won December 11, 2021. (Image posted by Syrian Network for Human Rights)

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the villages of Al Jadida (الجديدة) and Al Yakoubia (اليعقوبية). Analyzing audio-visual material from sources, Airwars has narrowed down the location to these exact coordinates: 35.929334, 36.31337.

  • Tagged visual evidence from sources.

    Imagery:
    المرصد المدني

  • Distribution of tags in available satellite imagery.

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

Russian Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Russian Military
  • Russian Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1 – 3
  • (1 child1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    12–15
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Russian Military
  • Suspected target
    Other

Sources (39) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TI074

Incident date

October 9, 2021

Location

سيدان, Sidan, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq

Geolocation

35.58366, 44.72131 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between one and two people, including a woman, were killed and two civilians were injured in alleged Turkish drone strikes on Saydani village on October 9, 2021. The majority of sources refer to all of the casualties from the incident as civilians except BasNews, which identified two Kurdistan Worker’s Party (PKK) fighters as being killed.

Rudaw News reported that a woman was killed and two others were wounded in Turkish drone strikes. The person killed had not yet been identified because “the body is mangled and therefore we can’t determine the age of the deceased,” Sharif Rahim, spokesperson for Chamchamal’s health directorate, told Rudaw, adding that “the wounded are between 25 and 35 years of age.”

According to BasNews, two Kurdistan Worker’s Party (PKK) fighters were killed in the drone strike, which struck a car. BasNews was the only source that identified PKK fighters as being involved and not civilians. Hawar News specifically referred to a “civilian car” being hit by the airstrikes and identified those injured as being civilians.

Xeber24 News added that the two injured civilians were transferred to Chamchamal Hospital, the body of the woman who was killed was taken to forensic medicine in Sulaymaniyah.

The Political Bureau of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan issued a statement to public opinion, which stated: “The Political Bureau of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan condemns the bombing by Turkish planes of the Qaranjir border near the city of Kirkuk, which left casualties and damages.”

All of the sources attributed the strikes to Turkish drones or reported that they “believed” Turkey was responsible.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 1
  • (0–1 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military
  • Suspected target
    Other
  • Belligerents reported killed
    0–2

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Sidan (سيدان), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.58366, 44.72131. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Turkish Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Turkish Military
  • Turkish Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 1
  • (0–1 women)
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military
  • Suspected target
    Other
  • Belligerents reported killed
    0–2

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TI073

Incident date

October 4, 2021

Location

سيدان, Sidan, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq

Geolocation

35.58366, 44.72131 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two to three people, including a woman, were injured in alleged Turkish drone strikes on the village of Saydani on October 4, 2021. Local sources were conflicted as to whether those injured were civilians or members of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).

According to Rudaw News, a 24-year-old woman and a 53-year-old man were injured in a Turkish drone strike on Saydani village. Sharif Rahim, the spokesperson for Chamchamal health directorate, told Rudaw “the injury to the man is serious.”

The head of Chemchemal’s health directorate, Sharif Raheem Moawen, told Shafaq News Agency, “two civilians from Sidan village, the Chemchemal district, were injured: a 24 years old male and a 33 years old male.”

@AnwarKazhin said the strike took place on the outskirts of Shwan sub-district.

ANF News said the incident occurred at 5:50 p.m. The source said it “believed” a Turkish drone had carried out the strike but “Iranian regime forces could also be responsible”.

Hawar News reported that the drone strike struck a car while Kurdistan 24 referred to the location as being an alleged Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) outpost, adding that “Two injured people were transferred to the emergency hospital in Chamchamal,” Chamchamal health directorate spokesman Sharif Rahim told Kurdistan 24. It was not immediately clear if the victims were PKK members or civilians.”

Said Karim, a Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) official in Qarahanjir, told BasNews that “As a result of this bombardment, three fighters of PKK have been injured who have now been transferred to Chamchamall hospital for medical treatment.”

All of the sources that reported on the incident attributed the strikes to Turkey.

The incident occured at approximately 5:00 pm local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military
  • Suspected target
    Other
  • Belligerents reported injured
    0–3

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Sidan (سيدان), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.58366, 44.72131. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Turkish Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Turkish Military
  • Turkish Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    0–2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military
  • Suspected target
    Other
  • Belligerents reported injured
    0–3

Sources (8) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TI071

Incident date

September 7–8, 2021

Location

سينة موكة, Sinamoka, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq

Geolocation

36.41559, 45.02261 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to two civilians were killed and up to two others were injured in alleged Turkish airstrikes on the village of Sinamoka, Sulaymaniyah district on September 7, 2021, according to local media reports.

According to Roj News, two civilians were injured in the Turkish bombing of the village of Sinamoka that involved three airstrikes. Baghdad concurred that two civilians were wounded.

Basnews initially reported that two civilians were injured but later stated that two civilians were killed in the strikes on Sinamoka. Mayor Nahro Abdullah told BasNews that the airstrikes occurred around 1:30am and that Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) fighters were in the area.

In addition to the civilian casualties, the bombing resulted in damage to civilian property.

All of the sources that reported on the incident attributed the airstrikes to Turkey.

The incident occured at approximately 1:30 am local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military
  • Suspected target
    Other

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Sinamoka (سينة موكة), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.41559, 45.02261. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Turkish Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Turkish Military
  • Turkish Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military
  • Suspected target
    Other

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TI069

Incident date

September 2, 2021

Location

بارة, Bara, Nineveh, Iraq

Geolocation

36.37571, 41.48531 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least three people were injured in alleged Turkish strikes on Bara village on September 2, 2021.

Security sources told Shafaq News Agency that “Turkish aircraft bombed the headquarters of the Asayish Yazidkhan forces, west of Mount Sinjar” and that the targeted location was close to a site of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). However, another security source told Shafaq News agency that three civilians were seriously injured in the attack.

Alyaum TV quoted a local source as saying that Turkish warplanes bombed different areas in Sinjar district, injuring three people.

BasNews also reported that Turkish warplanes targeted a facility and vehicle belonging to the PKK-affiliated armed groups but did not know the number of injuries that resulted.

Several local media sites also told Xeber24 that a Turkish drone bombed one of the points of the Asayish Ezidkhan in the village of Bariya, affiliated to the city of Şengal but as a result of the intensity of the bombing and the flight of Turkish aircraft, they were unable to know the extent of human losses and material damage.

All of the sources that reported on the incident attributed the strikes to Turkey.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military
  • Suspected target
    Other

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Bara (بارة), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.37571, 41.48531. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Turkish Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Turkish Military
  • Turkish Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military
  • Suspected target
    Other

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TI068

Incident date

September 2, 2021

Location

سيدان, Sidan, Dohuk, Iraq

Geolocation

35.58366, 44.72131 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Between two and three civilians were injured in an alleged Turkish strike on Sidan village, Amadiya District on September 2, 2021.

Alyaum TV and Christian Peacemaker Teams reported that Haji Abdullah, 55, and Saber Omar, 45, were wounded.

A security source told Mawazine News that the Turkish bombing resulted in the injury of three civilians.

Amedi Mayor Warshin Salman told BasNews that two civilians were wounded in Turkish air and artillery strikes on Sidan village. At the time of reporting, both of the wounded civilians were in stable conditions.

Xeber24 reported that Haji and Saber were injured on their farms and were transferred to the city’s hospital for treatment. Christian Peacemaker Teams reported the two men were injured in an artillery strike while fishing. Both men were from the nearby town Shiladze.

All of the sources that reported on the incident attributed the strikes to Turkey.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

55 years old injured
45 years old injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military
  • Suspected target
    Other

Sources (7) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Sidan (سيدان), for which the generic coordinates are: 35.58366, 44.72131. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Turkish Military Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Turkish Military
  • Turkish Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–3
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attacker
    Turkish Military
  • Suspected target
    Other

Sources (7) [ collapse]