The Aid Security Monthly October News Brief 2016

Security Incidents This monthly digest comprises threats and

incidents of violence Africa affecting the delivery of Central African Republic humanitarian assistance. It is 12 October 2016: In Kaga Bandoro town, Nana-Grébizi Prefecture, prepared by Insecurity many unspecified aid agencies were forced to scale down or suspend Insight from information their operations temporarily, and to relocate their staff, after a camp available in open sources. for the internally displaced was attacked by Muslim Seleka rebels. Humanitarian officials also claimed that their offices had been looted, All decisions made on the their staff threatened and assaulted, and private homes burned basis of, or with down. Sources: France24, IRIN, TRF I and TRF II consideration to, such information remains the 15 October 2016: In Ouaka Prefecture, Kagas Region, armed men responsibility of respective organisations. attacked the Ngakobo internally displaced people (IDP) camp, killing 15 civilians and injuring many. Sources: AllAfrica and France24 Editorial team: Christina Wille 24 October 2016: In Bangui, anti-Multidimensional Integrated Insecurity Insight Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) demonstrators tried to force their way into the headquarters of the Larissa Fast Insecurity Insight United Nations (UN). MINUSCA troops responded by shooting in the air, but then exchanged fire with gunmen near the crowd, killing four Adelicia Fairbanks people and injuring 14 others. MINUSCA denied having killed civilians, European Interagency claiming that it had only fired tear gas to disperse protesters. Sources: Security Forum (EISF) BBC, Reuters I and Reuters II Research team: Insecurity Insight 28 October 2016: In Bambari, Ouaka Prefecture, gunmen linked to the anti-Balaka movement kidnapped two aid workers from an unspecified non-governmental organisation (NGO), and released Visit our website to them a few hours later. Another aid worker was killed by a stray bullet download previous Aid during the attack. No further information is available. Sources: Security Monthly News Briefs. allAfrica and France24 Suggested citation: Insecurity Democratic Republic of the Congo Insight. 2016. The Aid 09 October 2016: In an unspecified location, locals prevented vehicles Security Monthly News Brief, belonging to United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the October 2016. Geneva: Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) ferrying assistance Insecurity Insight, Aid in from passing, and threw stones at them. Source: Radio Okapi Danger Project.

The Aid Security Monthly News Brief – October 2016 Page 1

23 October 2016: In South Kivu Province, 10 criminals overran Minova Reference General Hospital, and stole an unspecified number of mobile phones and 40 United States Dollar (USD) from a nurse. Military personnel intervened in this incident and chased the assailants. No further information is available. Source: Radio Okapi

Mali 03 October 2016: In Aguelhok village, Kidal Region, a mortar attack targeting a UN peacekeeping camp killed one Chadian soldier and injured eight civilians. Two vehicles subsequently ran over improvised explosive devices. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Sources: aBamako and Indian Express

04 October 2016: In central Mali, six suspected jihadists attacked a convoy carrying UN peacekeepers whilst en route from the town of Goundam to Timbuktu, killing a Malian soldier. Source: aBamako

21 October 2016: Unknown assailants ambushed an ambulance on Hombori-Gossi Road, a street leading to Gao Region, and killed a nurse who was on board. The vehicle was taken. Source: Rfi Afrique

Niger 07 October 2016: In Tassara, near Tazalit, Tahoua Region, some 30 to 40 heavily armed men attacked the security post of a camp sheltering Malian refugees. This incident killed 22 Nigerien soldiers and injured five. The assailants also seized three vehicles, including an ambulance, as well as arms, food and clothing. Sources: aNiamey and Naharnet

15 October 2016: In Abalak town, Tahoua Region, an unidentified group of armed men attacked the house of an American aid worker and kidnapped him. He is believed to have been taken across the desert toward the border with Mali. Two security guards were also killed in the incident. The victim was working for JEMED - a local NGO that is also affiliated to the Youth With A Mission (YWAM), a Christian charity operating in Niger. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for this attack but al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb is suspected. Sources: Reuters, The New York Times and AWSD

Nigeria 26 October 2016: In Maiduguri, Borno State, two suicide bombs, about one kilometre apart were detonated in the early morning. Nine people were reportedly killed and 24 were injured. The first blast occurred at seven in the morning at a cafe near the Bakassi IDP camp, along Maiduguri-Biu Road, while the second occurred about half an hour later along Damboa Road. Sources: Premium Times and The Street Journal

27 October 2016: In Maiduguri, Borno State, a suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber was shot dead by soldiers as he tried to enter the aforementioned Bakassi IDP camp. No casualties were reported. Source: The Street Journal

27 October 2016: In Ogba–Egbema–Ndoni, River State, approximately eight gunmen armed with machetes broke into Erama General Hospital compound at night and assaulted two nurses before abducting both. A female nurse managed to escape, and a 5 million Nigerian naira ransom demand has been made for the release of the other male nurse. Phones, money, laptops and other valuables were stolen. Source: The Nation

South Sudan 08 October 2016: In Akobo County, Eastern Bieh State, a national staff member working for an INGO was reportedly killed in the evening hours. The incident is believed to be a result of a family dispute and not The Aid Security Monthly News Brief – October 2016 Page 2

related to the staff member's work for the INGO. Source: AWSD

10 October 2016: In Chukudum, Budi County, Eastern Equatoria State, unknown armed men attacked an unspecified INGO, killing one national staff member. Source: AWSD

10 October 2016: In Juba, teargas from an unspecified source may have been used against civilians living in Tongping camp, as they resisted relocating to another Protection of Civilians site. Source: Radio Tamazuj

14 October 2016: In Eastern Equatoria State, unidentified gunmen stopped a moving INGO vehicle and shot several rounds at the vehicle, killing an agricultural officer from ZOA who was en route from Torit to a project site in the area. The driver was unhurt. Sources: Radio Tamazuj and AWSD

16 October 2016: In Aweil town, Northern Bahr El Ghazal State, a UN national male staff member was assaulted with metal objects by a group of three men. Reports suggest the assailants had targeted the staff member and had asked other civilians to point him out. While the attack does not appear to be the result of the victim being an aid worker, it was ethnically motivated. Other staff members came to his aid and he received medical attention at a clinic for injuries to his face, head, and back. Source: AWSD

Sudan 10 October 2016: In Kereinik, West Darfur State, a group of armed herdsmen attacked Sese IDP camp and assaulted civilians. They repeatedly raped and beat three women, and shot and killed a civilian. Not far from the same camp, a relative of the latter victim was also found dead last week. The assailants have also threatened residents that they would set fire to the camp. Sources: Dabanga Sudan I and Dabanga Sudan II

14 October 2016: In South Darfur State, a group of militiamen kidnapped three civilians from Nierteti North camp and took them to an unknown destination, accusing one of the victims, who works as a butcher, of slaughtering the cows they lost the week before. Source: Dabanga Sudan

17 October 2016: In Bahr El Arab, members of Sudan's Central Reserve Police, also known as Abu Tira militia, entered Kario IDP camp for South Sudanese refugees, searching for illegal winemaking activities. The assailants fired shots in the air and beat 12 people, including camp representatives. The victims were hospitalised but later transferred to the police station in the city, where they remained held in custody. Source: Dabanga Sudan

Asia Afghanistan 01 October 2016: In Jalalabad, Nangarhar Province, a male UN national staff member was killed at a family residence in a crossfire which occurred during a search operation by Afghan forces. No further information is available. Source: AWSD

06 October 2016: In Kunduz, Kunduz Province, the main public hospital was hit by several rockets and small firearms amid street-to-street gun battles between United States-backed government forces and Taliban militants. Source: Reuters

Pakistan 26 October 2016: In Ghundi, Jamrud, Khyber Agency, unidentified assailants shot and killed a polio worker as he was administering vaccines to children on the second day of the seven-day long anti-polio campaign. Nobody has claimed responsibility for this assault. Source: The Nation

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Middle-East and North Africa Iraq 17 October 2016: In Mosul, Nineveh Governorate, the Islamic State has held doctors from Al Jamhouri Hospital hostage and threatened to execute them if they escape from the hospital. Source: Mosul Eye

Lebanon 17 October 2016: In Akkar District, North Governorate, the Lebanese Army has raided several IDP camps for Syrian refugees in the peripheral towns of al-Sheikh Mohammed, Halba and Tal Abbas, arresting 30 Syrians for failing to present legal identification and residency papers. Source: Naharnet

Libya 21 October 2016: In Libyan territorial waters, a Libyan coast guard vessel aggressively prevented Sea- Watch rescuers from handing out life vests and flotation devices to around 160 migrants at risk of drowning. This incident led to 30 casualties. Source: Reuters

Occupied Palestinian Territories 05 October 2016: In Gaza and East Jerusalem, offices of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) were shut down for several hours as UNRWA employees staged a sit-in in front of their offices, protesting decisions to cut down services for Palestinian refugees, and demanding higher salaries. Source: Xinhuanet

Syrian Arab Republic 01 October 2016: In , Aleppo Governorate, seven strikes were reported on the M10 Trauma Hospital. Ten people were injured, and the hospital and an ambulance were destroyed after being hit by barrel and chlorine bombs, as well as cluster munitions. Sources: Adham Sahloul (Advocacy Officer SAMS) I, Adham Sahloul II, BBC, MSF, SCD, Telegraph and The Washington Post

01 October 2016: In Kafr Zita town, Governorate, government helicopters dropped barrel bombs near the Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations (UOSSM)-funded cave hospital, Martyr Doctor Hasan Al A’raj hospital, causing 30 people to choke, in what appears to be a chemical attack. Source: Reuters

01 October 2016: In Kafr Zita town, , Syrian or Russian warplanes dropped two bunker- buster bombs on the UOSSM-funded cave hospital, Martyr Doctor Hasan Al A’raj hospital, causing severe damage to the emergency ward, generators, water tanks, and medical equipment. A maintenance worker was killed in the attack. The hospital was temporarily shut and all medical staff and patients were evacuated. This is the second time the hospital has been bombed, the first time was in April 2016. Sources: Adham Sahloul (Advocacy Officer SAMS), Charles Lister (Senior Fellow at Middle East Institute), Michael Horowitz I (Prime Source), National Syrian Coalition, Reuters, SNHR and SNHR II

01 October 2016: In Governorate, airstrikes hit al-Khayun IDP camp. No further information is available. Source: Daniel Nisman on Twitter

01 October 2016: Near Tal Al Sheih, , suspected Russian airstrikes hit Al Farjeh IDP camp, killing at least four civilians and damaging several tents. Sources: SNHR I and SNHR II

02 October 2016: In Douma, Eastern Ghouta, , Syrian or Russian warplanes fired missiles that partially destroyed an unspecified school. Two teachers and seven students were wounded. Source: SNHR

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02 October 2016: In Western Ghouta, Damascus, government warplanes fired artillery shells on Khan Al Sheeh IDP camp, damaging it severely. A male paramedic was killed and an ambulance was damaged as the ambulance staff were attending to the wounded from a previous bombing. Sources: SNHR, SNHR II and SNHR III

03 October 2016: In Aleppo, Aleppo Governorate, for the second time in 48 hours, suspected Russian forces fired missiles on the M10 Trauma Hospital. The building and equipment were destroyed. Source: SNHR

03 October 2016: In Damascus, government warplanes fired missiles on Khan Al Sheeh IDP camp, for the second time in two days, killing two people. Source: SNHR

03 October 2016: In Douma, Eastern Ghouta, Damascus government warplanes fired missiles that destroyed Douma’s 9th School, near Al Shuhadaa’ square. Source: SNHR

03 October 2016: In Douma, Eastern Ghouta, Damascus, government warplanes fired a missile near the Central Laboratory. The centre and medical equipment were damaged. Sources: SNHR I and SNHR II

03 October 2016: In Douma, Eastern Ghouta, Damascus, government warplanes fired a missile on the Incubator Centre, damaging the building and equipment. Source: SNHR

03 October 2016: In Douma, Eastern Ghouta, Damascus, government warplanes fired a missile that hit an ambulance belonging to Sham Humanitarian Network, injuring a paramedic, damaging medical equipment and the ambulance. Source: SNHR

04 October 2016: In Aleppo, Aleppo Governorate, armed opposition fired artillery shells at Aleppo University, killing four people. The administration building car park was partially damaged. Sources: SNHR I and SNHR II

04 October 2016: In Kar Karmeen village, Aleppo, Aleppo Governorate, suspected Russian warplanes fired missiles on an unspecified health centre, destroying the building and damaging equipment. Source: SNHR

04 October 2016: In Al Mozra town, Jabal Al Zawiya, Idlib Governorate, Russian forces fired missiles on the town’s Intermediate School. One building was destroyed and the main building was partially damaged. Sources: SNHR and SNHR II

05 October 2016: In Khan Al Sheih town, Western Ghouta, Damascus, government helicopters dropped several barrel bombs and artillery mortar shells on Martyr Dr. Ziad Al Beqaa’ie makeshift hospital. An unspecified number of patients were killed; the hospital building was severely damaged and the power generators burned. Source: SNHR

05 October 2016: In Al Hama town, Damascus, government helicopters dropped two barrel bombs on Al Salam Hospital, the only hospital in the town, destroying it. A male doctor and a male nurse were killed. Sources: SNHR I, SNHR II and SNHR III

05 October 2016: In Al Hama town, Damascus, government helicopters dropped several barrel bombs near a Civil Defence (SCD) centre, severely damaging the building and its furniture. The centre was closed. A fire engine was also destroyed. Source: SNHR

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05 October 2016: In Kafrlaha city, Governorate, government forces partially destroyed Martyr Ghaith Al Qasem School. No further information is available. Sources: SNHR I and SNHR II

05 October 2016: In city, , government artillery shelling damaged Sham Al Amal Hospital. Sources: SNHR, SNHR II and SNHR III

06 October 2016: In Tal Al Jayer village, Al Shaddadi, Al Hasakah Governorate, international coalition forces fired missiles on the village’s Intermediate School, destroying it. Source: SNHR

06 October 2016: In Khan Al Sheih town, Western Ghouta, Damascus, government helicopters dropped 16 barrel bombs, including four that were loaded with incendiary weapons, and artillery mortar shells on Martyr Dr. Ziad Al Beqaa’ie makeshift Hospital, for the second time in two days. The hospital and an ambulance were destroyed and medical equipment was damaged. Sources: SNHR I and SNHR II

07 October 2016: In Ibtea town, Governorate, a male SCD volunteer was killed by missiles launched by government forces as he was attending to the wounded from a previous bombing. Sources: SNHR I and SNHR II

07 October 2016: In Al Latamena city, Hama Governorate, government helicopters dropped several barrel bombs damaging Centre 114 which is affiliated to the SCD. A vehicle used for removing rubble was destroyed and an ambulance was damaged. Sources: SNHR I and SNHR II

07 October 2016: In Jabel Al Zawiya, Idlib Governorate, government warplanes fired several missiles near a medication warehouse supported by the Syrian Medical Society Foundation (SAMS), damaging the warehouse and destroying medicines stored there. Sources: SNHR I and SNHR II

08 October 2016: In city, Idlib Governorate, suspected Russian warplanes fired missiles on Ass’ad Aref Aldani School, partially damaging it. Source: SNHR

09 October 2016: In Al Habeit town, Idlib Governorate, government forces damaged Martyr Khaled Al Mousa Preparatory School, also known as Al Habeit School. Sources: SNHR and SNHR II

10 October 2016: In Irbeen city, Eastern Ghouta, Damascus, government warplanes fired a missile on a complex of four schools – Al Ibda’ School (also known as Sayed Quraish), the 2nd and 4th Intermediate Schools and the Women’s Artistic School. No further information is available. Source: SNHR

11 October 2016: In Daraa, Daraa Governorate, at least six civilians, including four children, were killed by mortar shells fired from an unknown source on a school in Al Sahari neighbourhood. Source: SNHR

11 October 2016: In Al Sahara neighbourhood, Daraa, Daraa Governorate, several mortar shells hit That Al Netaqein School, killing an unspecified number of people and severely damaging the school. The perpetrators have yet to be identified. Source: SNHR

12 October 2016: In Aleppo, a teacher was killed amid bombing by Russian forces. No further information is available. Source: SNHR

12 October 2016: In Douma, Eastern Ghouta, Damascus, government warplanes targeted and damaged the offices of Rising for Freedom Magazine and Violations Documentation Centre. Source: SNHR

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12 October 2016: In West Ghouta, Damascus, government forces destroyed the only hospital in the Palestinian refugee camp Khan a-Sheh. Two volunteers from Jafra Foundation were amongst those killed. In response, UNRWA shut all six of its schools. Source: Syria Direct

14 October 2016: In Al Sha’ar neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo Governorate, government warplanes destroyed an ambulance belonging to Sham Aid System/Sham Humanitarian Institution. A male ambulance driver was also killed. Sources: SNHR I, SNHR II and SNHR III

14 October 2016: In Al Sha’ar neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo Governorate, suspected Russian warplanes fired missiles on Al Bayan Surgical Hospital. Some of the administration rooms and a large quantity of medicines were destroyed. One ambulance was partially damaged. Source: SNHR

14 October 2016: Three employees of GOAL were killed in unspecified circumstances since the war in Syria broke out. Source: The Irish Times

15 October 2016: In Al Mansoura village, Aleppo Governorate, Russian warplanes fired missiles on Arak Pharma Medicine factory, destroying it. Source: SNHR

15 October 2016: In Al Salihein neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo Governorate, suspected Russian warplanes fired missiles on Zakariya Qawwas School, partially damaging it. Source: SNHR

15 October 2016: In Al Latamena village, Hama Governorate, government forces partially destroyed an unnamed medical centre, causing an unspecified number of deaths. Sources: SNHR I and SNHR II

15 October 2016: In Al Houla, Homs Governorate, government warplanes fired a missile near an SCD centre. An SCD volunteer was injured and the building was partially damaged. Sources: SNHR I and SNHR II

15 October 2016: In Kafrlaha town, Homs Governorate, government warplanes fired missiles near an unspecified school. The school fence was partially destroyed and other unspecified damages were reported. Source: SNHR

15 October 2016: In Termanein town, Idlib Governorate, government warplanes fired missiles near Omar Al Mokhtar School, damaging it. Source: SNHR

15 October 2016: In town, Idlib Governorate, government warplanes fired missiles near Mustafa Al Haj Hussein School. No damage to the school was reported. Source: SNHR

16 October 2016: In Al Sukkari neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo Governorate, suspected Russian warplanes fired missiles on Nour Al Din Zenki School, severely damaging classrooms and furniture, putting it out of commission. Source: SNHR

16 October 2016: In Al Salihein neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo Governorate, suspected Russian warplanes fired missiles at Fatima Al School, destroying it. Source: SNHR

16 October 2016: In Al Mazza neighbourhood, Damascus, a male fourth year medical student at the Faculty of Medicine at Damascus University was found dead after being reported missing on 12 October 2016. No further information is available. Source: SNHR

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17 October 2016: In Al Latamena village, Hama Governorate, Russian or Syrian forces fired missiles near an unnamed medical centre – the same centre that was targeted on 15 October 2016. The building was partially destroyed. Source: SNHR

18 October 2016: In Masaken Hanano neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo Governorate, suspected Russian warplanes damaged a Charity Aiding Network building, injuring three paramedics and destroying two ambulances. Sources: SNHR and SNHR II

18 October 2016: In Jadeid Akeid (Ekiedat) village, Deir Ez Zour Governorate, government forces damaged an unspecified makeshift hospital. Sources: SNHR and SNHR II

18 October 2016: In Sarjeh town, Idlib Governorate, suspected Russian forces fired a missile on Al Eman Hospital. Five medics were injured and two ambulances, operating rooms, equipment and medical supplies were destroyed. Sources: SNHR I, SNHR II, SNHR III, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Syria Direct

19 October 2016: In Kafr Nobbol city, Idlib Governorate, government warplanes fired C5 missiles near an SCD centre, wounding three volunteers, damaging the centre, an ambulance and a SCD fire truck. Sources: SNHR I, SNHR II, SNHR III and SNHR IV

20 October 2016: In Irbeen, Eastern Ghouta, Damascus, government warplanes fired a missile that targeted and partially destroyed an unspecified school. Source: SNHR

20 October 2016: In Maarrat al-Nu’man city, Idlib Governorate, government forces destroyed an SCD centre, killing one male volunteer and injuring five others. An SCD service vehicle was also partially damaged. Sources: SNHR I, SNHR II, SNHR III and SNHR IV

21 October 2016: Near Damascus, fighting around the Khan Eshieh IDP camp, home to about 8,000 Palestinians, continues. Source: TRF

21 October 2016: In Jabal Al Zawiya, Idlib Governorate, government warplanes fired a missile at a residential property located 10 metres away from Kiwan Surgical hospital. No damage to the hospital was reported. Source: SNHR

22 October 2015: In Anadan city, Aleppo Governorate, a male SCD volunteer was killed during government shelling. Sources: SNHR I and SNHR II

23 October 2016: In Kafr Dael town, Aleppo Governorate, government helicopters dropped a on Kafr Dael Elementary School. The bombing created a hole in front of the school. Source: SNHR

23 October 2016: In Al Marj neighbourhood, Damascus, government forces fired mortar shells near an ambulance belonging to Centre 114 (affiliated to SCD), as the ambulance was evacuating wounded from a previous bombing in the same area. The ambulance was partially damaged. Source: SNHR

23 October 2016: In Al Marj, Damascus, government artillery damaged an SCD ambulance. Source: SNHR

23 October 2016: In Bdama village near the Syria-Turkey border, Idlib Governorate, three IDP camps - Al Wafaa, Khermash and Ein Al Hour - were hit by government artillery. Several tents were reportedly damaged. Sources: SNHR I, SNHR II and SNHR III

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23 October 2016: In Kafr Takhareem, Idlib Governorate, suspected Russian warplanes fired two missiles that destroyed the building of the Faculty of Medicine. Seven civilians were killed in the attack and equipment was destroyed. Sources: SNHR I and SNHR II

24 October 2016: In Al Ferdous, Aleppo, Aleppo Governorate, suspected Russian warplanes fired missiles on Al Aytam Al Mutafoqein School, destroying it. Source: SNHR

24 October 2016: In Khan Sheikhoun town, Idlib Governorate, government warplanes fired missiles near Khaled Najm Elementary School, partially damaging the building. Sources: SNHR I and SNHR II

25 October 2016: Near Al Smiriya village, Aleppo, Aleppo Governorate, government forces fired mortar shells near an SCD centre. The building was not damaged but an SCD ambulance was destroyed. Source: SNHR

25 October 2016: In Madaya town, Damascus, government forces fired machines guns on an SCD ambulance, damaging it. Source: SNHR

25 October 2016: In Maarrat al-Nu’man city, Idlib Governorate, government forces destroyed an SCD centre, killing one volunteer and injuring five others. A service vehicle was also partially damaged. Sources: SNHR I, SNHR II and SNHR III

25 October 2016: In Jesr Al Shoghour, Idlib Governorate, suspected Russian warplanes fired missiles on Walid Sha’ban High School, partially damaging it. Source: SNHR

26 October 2016: Near Damascus, government warplanes destroyed a UNRWA Social Development Centre in Khan Al Sheih camp for Palestinians. This is the third time the camp has been targeted by government forces in October (5th and 6th). Sources: SNHR and SNHR II

26 October 2016: In Hass town, Idlib Governorate, airstrikes of unspecified origin severely damaged Martyr Kamal Qal’aji, a complex of three schools (Elementary, Hass Intermediate for Boys and Hass Intermediate for Girls), killing 38 civilians, including 22 children, six teachers and one male doctor. An unspecified number were also injured. Sources: The White Helmets, SNHR I, SNHR II, SNHR III, SNHR IV, SNHR V, SNHR VI, SNHR VII and UOSSM

27 October 2016: In Al neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo Governorate, rebel forces shelled Al Wataniyeh School, killing six children and causing damages to the building. Sources: SNHR I, SNHR II, SNHR III and SNHR IV

27 October 2016: In Douma, Damascus, government forces damaged Al Hashemiyeh Elementary School. Sources: SNHR I and SNHR II

27 October 2016: In Termanein town, Idlib Governorate, government warplanes fired several missiles near M30 Maternity hospital, partially damaging it. Reports suggest the target was a military checkpoint. Sources: SNHR I and SNHR II

27 October 2016: In Areeha city, Idlib Governorate, suspected Russian warplanes fired missiles on Mohammad Al Sabbagh School, damaging it. Sources: SNHR I and SNHR II

28 October 2016: In Jisr Al Shoghour city, Idlib Governorate, suspected Russian warplanes damaged Martyr Bashir Helli School. Sources: SNHR I and SNHR II The Aid Security Monthly News Brief – October 2016 Page 9

28 October 2016: In Douma, Rif Dimashq Governorate, a SAMS-supported medical centre was reportedly directly targeted by unspecified forces, severely damaging the building. Source: SAMS USA

29 October 2016: In Da’el city, Daraa Governorate, government forces fired mortar shells on the Second Industrial School, damaging the building. Sources: SNHR I and SNHR II

30 October 2016: In Al Sukari neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo Governorate, a male SCD volunteer was killed amid government mortar shelling. Sources: SCD, SNHR I and SNHR II

31 October 2016: In Salah Al Din neighbourhood, Aleppo, Aleppo Governorate, government forces fired mortar shells on Abdul Qader Shashou School, damaging it. Sources: SNHR I and SNHR II

Yemen 01 October 2016: Houthi rebels launched an airstrike that hit an Emirati vessel ferrying medicine and other supplies in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, which lies between the southern tip of and Djibouti and Eritrea, as it was heading toward the port city of . Source: CNN

03 October 2016: A French-Tunisian aid worker from International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was released after 10 months in captivity. Sources: ICRC Yemen and Reuters

04 October 2016: In Yemen, attacks on aid workers continue to characterise the conflict in the country. Source: UN News Centre

08 October 2016: In Sana’a, a deliberate double-tap airstrike commissioned by the Saudi-led coalition put the lives of first responders at risk, including medical personnel. Source: IRIN

09 October 2016: In Sana’a, a male national staff member from the IFRC was killed at a funeral hall by aerial bombing. Reports say that the Houthi-led government blames the attack on the Saudi-led coalition, something that denies. One source from the ICRC stated in a media report that there was more than one airstrike made on the target. Sources: IFRC and AWSD

The Americas Haiti 04 October 2016: In an unspecified location, a World Food Programme (WFP) aid truck was attacked by looters in response to slow emergency response. Source: The Christian Science Monitor

10 October 2016: Gunmen attacked a humanitarian convoy ferrying food, water and medications in an unspecified remote valley. Source: Associated Press

11 October 2016: In Les Cayes, Sud Department, crowds attempted to loot a humanitarian convoy, to which UN peacekeepers responded by firing non-lethal ammunition at them. Source: Reuters

11 October 2016: In Jeremie town, Grand'Anse Department, residents used tree trunks to block the path of a convoy carrying peacekeepers near a UN base. Source: Reuters

15 October 2016: In an unnamed port town, Haitians desperate for food aid and medication looted humanitarian trucks near a UN base. Source: Reuters

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16 October 2016: In Dame Marie village, Grand'Anse Department, around 100 civilians threw rocks toward police and UN peacekeepers after a fight broke out during food distribution for hurricane victims. Sources: Associated Press and The Telegraph

Mexico 03 October 2016: In Coatzacoalcos city, Veracruz State, a group of armed men kidnapped a doctor and fled with him to an unknown location. No further information is available. Source: Noreste

Trend Reporting: November 2014 – October 2016

Humanitarian infrastructure, including local hospitals and schools, reportedly damaged, destroyed or taken, according to open sources, by month (November 2014-October 2015 and November 2015-October 2016).

The amount of humanitarian infrastructure, including local hospitals and schools, reportedly damaged, destroyed or taken increased by over 300% in the last 12 months (November 2015-October 2016: 454) compared to the previous 12 months (November 2014-October 2015: 143), based on Insecurity Insight’s monitoring of open sources. The highest number of reports concern Syria (59%, 352). If the Syrian events are not counted, the global total number of reports describing humanitarian infrastructure damaged, destroyed or taken increased only slightly from 113 to 132 reported events.

October 2016 saw the most infrastructure reportedly damaged, destroyed or taken (135), 81% of which were reported in Syria (110). During October 2016, infrastructure in Syria was reported damaged, destroyed or taken every day (only for the 13 October, there was no report identified). This trend data shows how conflict intensity in individual conflicts can influence global data.

Humanitarian infrastructure is defined as buildings, vehicles and essential equipment that belong to an NGO, INGO or other aid suppliers (such as missionaries, development agencies and local relief agencies) serving a community. It further includes infrastructure used for providing key health, food security or other essential support funded or supported by an NGO/INGO as well as infrastructure belonging to local health structures, and infrastructure belonging to local education structures.

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Humanitarian infrastructure includes buildings (such as health buildings, buildings in IDP camps or refugee centres, schools, NGO/INGO offices, warehouses and staff residencies), vehicles (such as ambulances, trucks carrying supplies, rescue vehicles, fire engines, diggers), as well as equipment (such as health equipment or supplies, computers, laptops, mobile phones, hard drives, money, project supplies).

Events affecting humanitarian infrastructure are incident descriptions that include information on damage to or destruction of or loss of assets, property, or infrastructure, through active fighting, arson, burglary, kidnapping, IED use, looting, raid, robbery, theft and military operations.

Where the number of affected infrastructure is not specified in the event description, it is counted as one. Data collection is ongoing and the above numbers may change as new information is made available.

Security-related access constraints

Africa Burundi 19 October 2016: The Government of Burundi has withdrawn permits from the Association for the Protection of Human Rights and Detained Persons, a prominent human rights advocacy group, and several other unnamed non-profit rights and development organisations, accusing them of stirring up hatred and tarnishing the image of the nation. Source: Reuters

Ethiopia 31 October 2016: The Government of Ethiopia has silenced the international aid community operating in the country from speaking about the impact of the current political dynamic on their work. Humanitarian officials fear access to the affected communities would be restricted, or their agencies expelled from the country if they speak out. Source: Devex

South Sudan 11 October 2016: The Government of South Sudan suspended airdrops of food aid to affected communities in the country, WFP said. Airdrops resumed shortly after. Source: Eye Radio Juba

13 October 2016: The Government of South Sudan has blocked United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) personnel from visiting the site of a recent road ambush that left many unarmed civilians dead. Source: Radio Tamazuj

Asia Bangladesh 05 October 2016: The supreme legislative body of Bangladesh adopted the Foreign Donations (Voluntary Activities) Regulation Bill, which gives the state-run NGO bureau the power to suspend the registration of foreign-funded organisations, or to close them down, if the latter make inimical and derogatory remarks on the constitution and constitutional bodies. Sources: Al Jazeera, The Daily Star and World Organization Against Torture

Myanmar 09 October 2016: Following the recent spate of violence in the Rakhine State earlier this month, the Government of Myanmar had restricted aid agencies, including the WFP, from accessing and operating in conflict-affected areas. Wounded civilians who were caught up in the conflict are unable to access medical treatment. Sources: The Irrawaddy, Reuters and The New York Times

18 October 2016: In the state of Rakhine, violence is preventing aid agencies from delivering food and medical supplies as security forces respond to deadly raids allegedly commissioned by Islamic extremists. Source: Reuters

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Russia 05 October 2016: The Government of Russia has decided to brand the human rights group Memorial a foreign agent under its Foreign Agent Law, making the work of the organisation tougher. Sources: Deutsche Welle and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

10 October 2016: The Moscow City Court has upheld a ruling on liquidation of Golos, an association for NGOs, and labelled it a foreign agent under Russia’s Foreign Agent Law. The organisation must also pay 26,500 USD in taxes. Sources: ICNL Alliance and Rapsi News

Middle-East and North Africa Jordan 06 October 2016: Up until 06 October, humanitarian agencies have been unable to deliver aid to thousands of Syrian refugees stranded on Jordan's northeast border with Syria. Source: TRF

Libya 04 October 2016: In the city of Sirte, fighting between pro-government forces and the Islamic state has led to thousands of residents facing shortages of food and medicine. Source: TRF

Syrian Arab Republic 03 October 2016: In rebel-held parts of Aleppo, Aleppo Governorate, providing trapped civilians with first aid remains a nearly impossible task owing to the lack of access to that part of the city. Humanitarian convoys have also been blocked by Al-Nusra Front. Source: Sputnik

20 October 2016: In Aleppo, Aleppo Governorate, the ICRC was unable to carry out planned medical evacuations for the sick and wounded and their families owing to the dangerous security situation in the city. Sources: Devex, ICRC Syria and VOA News

22 October 2016: In Aleppo, Aleppo Governorate, fierce fighting and aerial attacks broke the third day of a Russian-declared ceasefire, and prevented humanitarian teams from carrying out medical evacuations from, and aid deliveries to, rebel-held areas. Sources: Reuters and VOA News

25 October 2016: In Aleppo, Aleppo Governorate, delays in receiving necessary permissions from local authorities, conditions placed by rebel groups, as well as restrictions by the government to allow medical and other relief supplies into the city, have forced the UN to ditch a plan to evacuate patients and their families from the besieged areas. Sources: Reuters and VOA News

The Aid Security Monthly News Brief – October 2016 Page 13