On Wednesday, 26 October 2016, airstrikes hit a school in the Idlib province of Syria, killing 35 civilians, mostly children. The province is controlled by a rebel group. While Syria and Russia are suspected to be behind this deadly attack, both governments deny involvement. Russia claims it was targeting the village of Hass, which includes the school complex. The death toll in this attack is suspected to rise as many of the wounded are in critical condition.

The raids hit the village around 11:30 am. One rocket hit the front of the school as the children were leaving for the day, as the administration decided to suspend classes because of the raids. The attack was originally reported to be on two schools, but then later corrected to one complex with multiple buildings.

Syrian forces and the Russian government have been continually criticized by rights groups for what they say are indiscriminate attacks on civilian infrastructure. More than 80 human rights organizations have urged UN member states to drop Russia from the Geneva-based Human Rights Council as a result of its actions in Syria. The United Nations is demanding immediate investigation into this attack. Many have claimed that if this attack was intentional, it is a war crime.  

For more information, please read:

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/10/air-strikes-kill-school-children-syria-idlib-161026141423315.html
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-37794362
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-attack-idUSKCN12Q19D
https://www.hrw.org/news/2016/11/06/syria/russia-school-attack-possible-war-crime