Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

TS465

Incident date

February 10, 2021

Location

الدشيشة, Al Darisha, Hassakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.648296, 40.282423 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A number of civilians including a 6-year-old child were reported injured in Turkish or pro-Turkey forces shelling on residential areas in Tal Tamr in Hasakah, Syria on February 10th, 2021. @baze_kurd said the child was seriously injured.

The child was identified by local sources as Yazan Mohammad Ali, while one source had a different variation of the name; Rizan Mohammad.

ANHA said the child is originally from Al-Dishisha village. The source reported that “the village of al-Tawila and that of al-Dishisha adjacent to the Aleppo- Hasaka International Highway known as the M4, were shelled by the Turkish Occupation Forces and the affiliated mercenary groups with artillery and mortar shells heavily in which Yezen Mohamed Ali, 6, from the village of Dishisha was injured in addition to some material damage.”

However, althawrah reported from the Syrian News Agency (SANA) that the child was injured in Al-Arisha village, not Al-Dashisha as other sources mentioned.

ASO network said the child was injured when a mortar shell landed and exploded near him while he was grazing sheep, and that he was taken to Al-Shaab hospital in Hasaka with wounds in different parts of his body as Ezdina reported. Afterwards, his condition was described as stable.

Basnews said that Turkey and pro-militants targeted sites of Syrian Democratic Forces in Tal Tamr on the day when the child was injured. Also reported that Turkish shelling on the M4 International road with heavy weapons led to the suspension of traffic on the M4 between the towns of Tal Tamer and Ain Issa.

No further information is available.

The incident occured around midday.

The victims were named as:

Yazan Muhammad Ali يزن محمد علي
6 years old male Other sources named him Rizan Mohammad injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • 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
    YPG/SDF

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Translation: Civilians injured including a child in a Turkish shell attack on the outskirts of Tal Tamr on the outskirts of #Hassaké in #Syrie. ( SANA)
  • Yazan (or Rizan) Mohammad, aged 6, was reported in alleged Turkey shelling on Tal Tamr, Hasaka on Feb 10th, 2021. (via Hawar News).
  • An image shared by Ezdina taken from social media in connection to the incident of alleged Turkey shelling on Dashisha village in Tal Tamr on Fab 10th. It shows damage to a wall as a result of shrapnel.
  • An image shared by Ezdina taken from social media in connection to the incident of alleged Turkey shelling on Dashisha village in Tal Tamr on Fab 10th.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Darisha (الدشيشة), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.648296, 40.282423. 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
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • 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
    YPG/SDF

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS464

Incident date

January 23, 2021

Location

تل رفعت, Tal Rifa'at, Aleppo, Syria

Geolocation

36.472576, 37.096272 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to five civilians including a mother and her two children were reported killed, and eleven others injured as a result of a alleged Turkish shelling, or pro-Turkey militants on Tal Rifat town in Aleppo’s northern countryside, Syria on January 23rd, 2021.

The shelling also reportedly caused material damage to the locals houses, the private and public properties and the infrastructure.

Ridaw said “Five-year-old Yasser Sakran and twelve-year-old Ebid al-Mohsen Sakran were both killed. The third person who died, Nazliye Mohammed Mustafa, was originally from Afrin, according to Hawar News Agency, an outlet affiliated with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).” ANHA reported that the woman is the mother of the two children.

The initial reports spoke about three victims, but then a forth civilian, Saad al-Din al-Qais aged 31, died of his injuries raising death toll.

North Press Agency (NPA) said that the injured civilians were transferred to Afrin Hospital, some of them in critical condition. However, the Rojava Information Centre reported 11 wounded civilians as a result of the attack.

Thousands of IDPs from Tal Rafa’at, Afrin and Alshahba joined the funeral of the victims.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (5)

Majid Yasser Sikran ماجد ياسر سكران
5 years old male killed
Abdelmuhsen Sikran عبد المحسن سكران
12 years old male killed
Nazliye Mihemed Mustafa نازلية محمد مصطفى
55 years old female Originally from Afrin killed
Muhammad Yasser Sakran محمد سكران
Age unknown male From Tal Rifaat injured
Ahmed Hassan [Abdulhasan] Sakran أحمد عبد الحسن سكران
33 years old male From Tal Rifaat injured

The victims were named as:

Saad al-Din al-Qais سعد الدين القيس
31 years old male Died in the hospital of his injuries. A source added Sakran to his surname so he could be part of the family that lost other three members in the same day. killed
Muhammad Nori Youssef محمد نوري يوسف
35 years old male From Bulbul injured
Alia Haidar Habash عليا حيدر حبش
19 years old female injured
Sadiq Muhammad Abdo صادق محمد عبدو
15 years old male From Afrin injured
Khalid Dudakh خالد دودخ
33 years old male From Shara town injured
Mazloum Ibrahim Dado مظلوم إبراهيم دادو
31 years old male From Shiye town injured
Khalid Muhammad al-Ali خالد محمد العلي
46 years old male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (2 children1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    7–11
  • 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
    YPG/SDF

Sources (17) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (24) [ collapse]

  • Funeral of four or five civilians killed by alleged Turkey shelling on Tal Rifa'at on January 23rd, 2021 (via @BehnamZarei21)
  • Funeral of four or five civilians killed by alleged Turkey shelling on Tal Rifa'at on January 23rd, 2021 (via @BehnamZarei21)
  • Funeral of four or five civilians killed by alleged Turkey shelling on Tal Rifa'at on January 23rd, 2021 (via @BehnamZarei21)
  • Funeral of four or five civilians killed by alleged Turkey shelling on Tal Rifa'at on January 23rd, 2021 (via @BehnamZarei21)
  • Funeral of four or five civilians killed by alleged Turkey shelling on Tal Rifa'at on January 23rd, 2021 (via NPA)
  • Images of the funeral of four or five civilians killed by Turkish shelling in Tal Rifa'at on Jan 23rd, attended by thousands of IDPs. (via SOHR)
  • Images of the funeral of four or five civilians killed by Turkish shelling in Tal Rifa'at on Jan 23rd, attended by thousands of IDPs. (via SOHR)
  • Images of the mother and two children killed in alleged Turkish shelling on Tal Rifa'at on January 23rd, 2021. (via SOHR)
  • Images of the funeral of four or five civilians killed by Turkish shelling in Tal Rifa'at on Jan 23rd, attended by thousands of IDPs. (via SOHR)
  • Images of the funeral of four or five civilians killed by Turkish shelling in Tal Rifa'at on Jan 23rd, attended by thousands of IDPs. (via SOHR)
  • Images of the funeral of four or five civilians killed by Turkish shelling in Tal Rifa'at on Jan 23rd, attended by thousands of IDPs. (via SOHR)
  • Images of the funeral of four or five civilians killed by Turkish shelling in Tal Rifa'at on Jan 23rd, attended by thousands of IDPs. (via SOHR)
  • Images of the funeral of four or five civilians killed by Turkish shelling in Tal Rifa'at on Jan 23rd, attended by thousands of IDPs. (via SOHR)
  • Images of the funeral of four or five civilians killed by Turkish shelling in Tal Rifa'at on Jan 23rd, attended by thousands of IDPs. (via SOHR)
  • Images of the funeral of four or five civilians killed by Turkish shelling in Tal Rifa'at on Jan 23rd, attended by thousands of IDPs. (via SOHR)
  • Images of the funeral of four or five civilians killed by Turkish shelling in Tal Rifa'at on Jan 23rd, attended by thousands of IDPs. (via SOHR)
  • Images of the funeral of four or five civilians killed by Turkish shelling in Tal Rifa'at on Jan 23rd, attended by thousands of IDPs. (via SOHR)
  • Images of the mother and two children killed in alleged Turkish shelling on Tal Rifa'at on January 23rd, 2021. (via SOHR)
  • Images of the funeral of four or five civilians killed by Turkish shelling in Tal Rifa'at on Jan 23rd, attended by thousands of IDPs. (via SOHR)
  • Images of the funeral of four or five civilians killed by Turkish shelling in Tal Rifa'at on Jan 23rd, attended by thousands of IDPs. (via SOHR)
  • Images of the funeral of four or five civilians killed by Turkish shelling in Tal Rifa'at on Jan 23rd, attended by thousands of IDPs. (via SOHR)
  • Images of the funeral of four or five civilians killed by Turkish shelling in Tal Rifa'at on Jan 23rd, attended by thousands of IDPs. (via SOHR)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Tal Rifa’at (تل رفعت), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.472576, 37.096272. 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
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    4
  • (2 children1 woman1 man)
  • Civilians reported injured
    7–11
  • 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
    YPG/SDF

Sources (17) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS462

Incident date

January 3, 2021

Location

عين عيسى, Ain Issa, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

36.387671, 38.863106 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Two civilians from the same family were reported injured in alleged Turkish shelling on Ain Issa on January 3rd, 2021 according to local sources. @eyeonhasaka said that the shelling targeted the southern neighborhood of Ain Issa and led to a displacement movement of the area’s residents towards the city.

@Rojava_Media said that a mother and her son were injured in the attack, and while the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that a woman and a child were injured, some local sources said the son’s age is 23 years old.

ANF said that the shelling targeted the 93rd Division of the Syrian government.

Ainissa_plus claimed that a house that was being used by QSD as a rockets launcher was targeted, leading to the injury of the woman and her son. It was also reported that three QSD fighters were injured in this shelling.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Latifa Al-Shaddad لطيفة الشداد
45 years old female injured
Qusay Hassan قصي حسن
23 years old male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • 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
    YPG/SDF
  • Belligerents reported injured
    3

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (7) [ collapse]

  • A civilian injured in alleged Turkish shelling on Ain Issa on January 3rd, 2021 (via ANF).
  • A civilian injured in alleged Turkish shelling on Ain Issa on January 3rd, 2021 (via ANF).
  • A civilian injured in alleged Turkish shelling on Ain Issa on January 3rd, 2021 (via ANF).
  • A civilian injured in alleged Turkish shelling on Ain Issa on January 3rd, 2021 (via ANF).
  • A civilian injured in alleged Turkish shelling on Ain Issa on January 3rd, 2021 (via ANF).

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Ain Issa (عين عيسى) and its surroundings, for which the generic coordinates are; 36.387671, 38.863106. 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
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • 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
    YPG/SDF
  • Belligerents reported injured
    3

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS461

Incident date

December 17, 2020

Location

الجهبل, Al Jahbal, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

36.408418, 38.902309 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Local sources reported that two civilian males were killed in alleged Turkish artillery strikes on the village of Al Jahbal in eastern Ain Issa, Raqqa governorate, on December 17th, 2020.

According to Rudaw, “pro-Turkey militants carried out fresh attacks on Friday against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Ain Issa, with several civilian casualties reported by local outlets.”

@RojavaNetwork tweeted: “Civilian casualties reported as result of Turkish-backed terror groups targeting civilian home in the village of Al-Jahbel, eastern Ain issa.”

North Press Agency Syria reported: “A medical source from Ain Issa said that 31-year-old Yusef Abdo Maamou and his brother, 55-year-old Mustafa Abdo Maamou, were killed when the roof of their home collapsed on them. The source added that the bodies of the two brothers are still under the rubble of their house, and retrieval is impossible due to the village now sitting on the front lines. ” According to the source, the incident took place after midnight.

BissamFM reported that the strikes came from the village of Al Daif, which is about 20 kilometres north of Ain Issa town.

Rudaw wrote that residents of the villages surrounding Ain Issa “have previously told Rudaw of their fears of a Turkish attack, sleeping in deserted areas at night in case of renewed fighting.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

The victims were named as:

Family members (2)

Yusef Abdo Maamou
31 years old male killed
Mustafa Abdo Maamou
55 years old male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 men)
  • 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
    YPG/SDF

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Al Jahbal (الجهبل), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.408418, 38.902309. 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
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • (2 men)
  • 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
    YPG/SDF

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS460

Incident date

November 28, 2020

Location

عين عيسى, Ain Issa, Raqqa, Syria

Airwars assessment

Two civilians were reported killed and up to four others including a woman and her two children were injured as a result of alleged Turkish shelling or airstrikes on Ain Issa in Raqqa, Syria on November 28th, 2020. The injured civilians were moved to hospital in Raqqa for treatment.

Enab Baladi said that ” the correspondent of Enab Baladi in Raqqa, citing a medical source in the town on condition of anonymity, stated that two people were killed and two others were injured, one of them in critical condition, as a result of shelling that targeted Ain Issa, as reconnaissance aircraft flew over the area.”

Saradorsin and other local sources claimed that the civilian areas were directly targeted with the shelling. However, Rudaw said that Turkish ‘airstrikes’ targeted various areas, including Ain Issa’s IDP camp and the M4 highway. ANF said Muelek village in Ain Issa was also targeted and NPA mentioned that Sayda village was among areas targeted.

According to local sources, the bombing also led to destruction in civilians’ houses and agricultural crops. A displacement movement also started as a result of the continuous shelling on Ain Issa.

The incident occured in the evening.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–4
  • 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
    YPG/SDF

Sources (26) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (21) [ collapse]

  • Aftermath of alleged Turkish shelling on residential areas in Ain Issa, Raqqa on Nov 28th, 2020. (via SOHR)
  • Aftermath of alleged Turkish shelling on residential areas in Ain Issa, Raqqa on Nov 28th, 2020. (via SOHR)
  • Aftermath of alleged Turkish shelling on residential areas in Ain Issa, Raqqa on Nov 28th, 2020. (via SOHR)
  • Aftermath of alleged Turkish shelling on residential areas in Ain Issa, Raqqa on Nov 28th, 2020. (via SOHR)
  • Aftermath of alleged Turkish shelling on residential areas in Ain Issa, Raqqa on Nov 28th, 2020. (via SOHR)
  • Aftermath of alleged Turkish shelling on residential areas in Ain Issa, Raqqa on Nov 28th, 2020. (via SOHR)
  • Aftermath of alleged Turkish shelling on residential areas in Ain Issa, Raqqa on Nov 28th, 2020. (via SOHR)
  • Aftermath of alleged Turkish shelling on residential areas in Ain Issa, Raqqa on Nov 28th, 2020. (via SOHR)
  • Aftermath of alleged Turkish shelling on residential areas in Ain Issa, Raqqa on Nov 28th, 2020. (via SOHR)
  • Videos showing the brutal bombardment of the Turkish occupation on civilian homes in the center of Ain Issa district
  • Two children were injured as a result of the Turkish occupation targeting their home in Ain Issa The Turkish occupation army and its mercenaries targeted civilian homes in Ain Issa district with heavy weapons, and the bombing resulted in the injury of two children.
  • The Turkish occupation army and its mercenaries targeted civilian homes in the Ain-Issa district with heavy weapons, and the bombing resulted in the injury of two children.
  • Damage to civilian properties, and trees as a result of alleged Turkish shelling on Ain Issa, Raqqa, Syria on Nov 28th, 2020. (via @HisoEla).
  • Damage to civilian properties, and trees as a result of alleged Turkish shelling on Ain Issa, Raqqa, Syria on Nov 28th, 2020. (via @HisoEla).
  • Damage to civilian properties, and trees as a result of alleged Turkish shelling on Ain Issa, Raqqa, Syria on Nov 28th, 2020. (via @HisoEla).
  • According to @me_delal, civilians are fleeing Ain Issa as a result of renewed Turkish shelling.
  • According to @me_delal, civilians are fleeing Ain Issa as a result of renewed Turkish shelling.
  • According to @me_delal, civilians are fleeing Ain Issa as a result of renewed Turkish shelling.
  • Circulated photos show effects of destruction caused by Turkish bombing on Ain Issa countryside. (via NPA)

Geolocation notes (6) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention a residential building and a vehicle being struck in the town of Ain Issa (عين عيسى). Analyzing audio-visual material from sources, we have narrowed down the exact location of the strike to these coordinates:  36.389117, 38.857886.

  • Imagery:
    Google Earth

  • Satellite imagery showing the distribution of buildings tagged in the audio-visual material and the outline of the building seen in the panoramic stitch.

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

  • Tagged visual material from sources.

    Imagery:
    SOHR

  • Tagged visual material from sources.

    Imagery:
    @me_delal

  • Tagged visual material from sources.

    Imagery:
    @me_delal

  • Panoramic stitch of building struck with outline of courtyard.

    Imagery:
    @hawarnews

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
    2
  • Civilians reported injured
    2–4
  • 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
    YPG/SDF

Sources (26) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS458

Incident date

November 22, 2020

Location

عين عيسى, Ain Issa, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

36.387671, 38.863106 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Up to three civilians including a three-year-old child were reported injured as a result of alleged Turkish forces shelling or drone attack on Ain Issa town on November, 22nd, 2020.

The injured civilians were named as Mehmud Zêd Zêdan aged 3, Mihêdin Hacî aged 35 and Minhel Ehmed El Ebîd aged 22.

According to Hawar, the bombing also hit Ain Issa camp, the international road “M4”, and the village of Muallaq in the northwestern countryside of the sub-district. Local sources reported that the bombing took place near the headquarters of the Russian forces in the area.

Basnews said that a drone targeted an QSD checkpoint which led to killing two members of QSD and the injury of two civilians.

 

The incident occured in the afternoon.

The victims were named as:

Mahmoud Zain Al-Zaidan
3 years old male injured
Mihêdin Hacî
35 years old male injured
Minhel Ehmed El Ebîd
22 years old male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • 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
    YPG/SDF
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2

Sources (17) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (12) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

  • Caption translation: Casualties among civilians as a result of Turkish army shelling on Ain Issa town and its countryside.
  • Caption translation: Mother of child Mahmoud: What did my son do to be targeted by the Turkish occupation? The mother of the child who was injured yesterday, in Ain Issa district, called on the international community and human rights organizations to intervene to stop Turkey and its mercenaries from bombing innocent civilians and children, and said, "What did my son do to be targeted by the Turkish occupation."
  • A civilian injured as a result of Turkish shelling on Ain Issa on November 22nd, 2020. (@NotWoofers).
  • Up to three civilians were injured as a result of Turkish shelling on Ain Issa on November 22nd, 2020. (@NotWoofers).
  • A civilian injured as a result of Turkish shelling on Ain Issa on November 22nd, 2020. (@NotWoofers).
  • Up to three civilians were injured as a result of Turkish shelling on Ain Issa on November 22nd, 2020. (@RojavaNetwork)
  • Up to three civilians were injured as a result of Turkish shelling on Ain Issa on November 22nd, 2020. (@RojavaNetwork)
  • Up to three civilians were injured as a result of Turkish shelling on Ain Issa on November 22nd, 2020. (NPA)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Ain Issa (عين عيسى) and its surroundings, for which the generic coordinates are; 36.387671, 38.863106. 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
    No
  • 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
    YPG/SDF
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2

Sources (17) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS456

Incident date

November 17, 2020

Location

عين عيسى, Ain Issa, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

36.387671, 38.863106 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Three civilians were reported injured in an alleged Turkish forces or pro-Turkey forces artillery shelling and/or drone attack on Ain Issa in Raqqa, Syria on November 17th, 2020.

Ahmed Jassim, Mahmoud Ali and Hamza Ibrahim arrived at the Ain Issa town hospital with injuries ranging from light to moderate as a result of shrapnel.

Eyeonhasaka said the Turkish shelling targeted sites of QSD in Ain Issa and its surrounding, the town’s camp, the M4 international highway, and the villages of Ain Dagna and Baylounia.

Sources said that the shelling also caused damage to civilians’ properties and agriculture crops.

The Syrian Observatory and Almowatana News said no casualties were reported, but other local sources published images of the injured civilians so we graded this civilian harm incident as fair.

The incident occured in the evening.

The victims were named as:

Ahmed Jassim أحمد جاسم
Age unknown male injured
Mahmoud Ali محمود علي
Age unknown male injured
Hamza Ibrahim حمزة إبراهيم
Age unknown male injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Likely strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike and/or Artillery
  • 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
    YPG/SDF

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • A civilian injured in alleged Turkish forces or pro-Turkey militants shelling on Ain Issa on Nov 17th, 2020. (via @NPA_Arabic).
  • A civilian injured in alleged Turkish forces or pro-Turkey militants shelling on Ain Issa on Nov 17th, 2020. (via @NPA_Arabic).
  • A civilian injured in alleged Turkish forces or pro-Turkey militants shelling on Ain Issa on Nov 17th, 2020. (via @NPA_Arabic).
  • Turkish forces or pro-Turkey militants shelling on Ain Issa on Nov 17th, 2020. (via @NPA_Arabic).

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Ain Issa (عين عيسى) and its surroundings, for which the generic coordinates are; 36.387671, 38.863106. 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
    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
    YPG/SDF

Sources (14) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS451

Incident date

October 16, 2020

Location

عين عيسى, Ain Issa, Raqqa, Syria

Geolocation

36.391336, 38.875099 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Exact location (via Airwars) level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Hatem Hazem, aged eight or 13 years old, died of injuries he sustained as a result of an alleged Turkey forces or Turkey-backed militants shelling on Ain Issa area and its camp, or the explosion of a mine according to local sources. Other eight civilians including a child and two men were also reported injured in this incident.

At first, Hatem was injured and taken to hospital. One of his legs was amputated, but he died later in a hospital in Raqqa. According to Rojinfo, ‘The young boy’s leg was amputated. He was also severely injured in the other leg and in various parts of the body, he was placed in intensive care at the hospital in the city of Raqqa where he lost his life despite the efforts of medical personnel to save him.’

Most of sources blamed Turkey forced and Turkey-backed militants for the incident, but @soheb20200 tweeted that Hatem was killed while he was herding the sheep when a land mine exploded.

The US embassy in Syria condemned death of the child as a result of ‘apparent artillery fire’, without attributing the incident to any party.

Some sources circulated a different name of they boy calling him Ahmed Hasan, Mihemed Hatem Hazem, Hatim Hazim Mihemed Hatim, Hatem Zaidan Al-Mastu and Hatam Zedan Alkhel. It is unclear which one is the correct name. Sources also gave him different age with some saying eight, and others saying 13.

Freeburmarangers said that ‘At 9:30a.m on October 16th, mortar rounds from Turkish forces fell near Ain Issa, north of Raqqa in northeastern Syria. One mortar landed in the midst of a herd of sheep, killing many sheep and injuring two men and a boy, Akmed Hassan. The men received minor wounds but shrapnel tore through the boy’s left leg just above the ankle, leaving his foot dangling and held on only by skin. Akmed also received a gash high in his right thigh and shrapnel penetrated his right chest cavity. He died later of his wounds. Akmed is the 11th child killed by Turkish forces in the Ein Issa area this year. We pray for a stop to these attacks, a withdrawal of the Turkish forces and their proxies, the Free Syrian Army, and help to get people back to their homes.’

Other results of the shelling reported were destruction and damage of some houses and the killing of a number of sheep.

@Servanenefrine described the shelling on Ain Issa that led to the death of the child as indiscriminate, and Rudaw said that according to ANHA, after the bombardment, Turkish drones were seen flying over the area.

The incident occured at approximately 9:30 am local time.

The victims were named as:

Hatem Hazem حاتم حازم
Age unknown male From Bu Assaf tribe injured

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–8
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attackers
    Turkish Military, Free Syrian Army, Kurdish Forces
  • Suspected target
    YPG/SDF

Sources (38) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (11) [ collapse]

  • Shelling on Ain Issa, Tal Abyad district in Raqqa allegedly by Turkey or its Syrian militants on October 16th, 2020. (via ANHA).
  • Shelling on Ain Issa, Tal Abyad district in Raqqa allegedly by Turkey or its Syrian militants on October 16th, 2020. (via ANHA).
  • A child died of his injuries sustained as a result of a Turkey or pro-Turkey militants shelling on Ain Issa on October 16th, 2020. (via ANHA)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Hatem Hazem, a child died of his injuries sustained as a result of a Turkey or pro-Turkey militants shelling on Ain Issa on October 16th, 2020. (via ANHA)
  • Caption translation: Artillery shells fell on the Ain Issa city checkpoint, the silos and the houses of Al-Tahri. Two children were wounded, one of them was seriously injured, and they were taken to a hospital.
  • Caption translation: The child Hatem Hazem Dhu, aged 13, died of wounds he sustained this morning, and another child was wounded, during the Turkish forces' shelling of the vicinity of Ain Issa town, the M4 international road and Ain Issa camp.
  • US Embassy in Syria statement about the death of the chilld.

Geolocation notes (2) [ collapse]

Reports of the incident mention the fields surrounding the city of Ain Issa (عين عيسى) being struck. Researching audiovisual material, we have narrowed down the exact location of the blast to these coordinates: 36.391336, 38.875099.

  • Reports of the incident mention the fields surrounding the city of Ain Issa (عين عيسى) being struck. Researching audiovisual material, we have narrowed down the exact location of the blast.

    Imagery:
    Google Earth

  • Tagged audiovisual material showing smoke from blast area.

    Imagery:
    Free Burma Rangers

Turkish Military Assessment:

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

Free Syrian Army Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Free Syrian Army
  • Free Syrian Army position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Kurdish Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Kurdish Forces
  • Kurdish Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Artillery
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 child)
  • Civilians reported injured
    1–8
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Suspected attackers
    Turkish Military, Free Syrian Army, Kurdish Forces
  • Suspected target
    YPG/SDF

Sources (38) [ collapse]