Conflict Timeline 2016
January 2016:
1382 victims were killed in January 2016 according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) report. 516 civilians died at the hands of the Syrian regime forces, 679 by Russian Forces and 98 killed by ISIS. In early January 2016, an attack by the Islamic state in eastern Deir ez-Zor left 85 civilians and 50 government troops dead. This attack expanded ISIS’s control in the area. Also present in Deir ez-Zor were Russian Forces, killing 226 civilians alone, backing the Syrian government against ISIS. Russian Forces also killed 212 civilians in Aleppo this month, which was the first sign of the devastation that would be to come for the Aleppo city later in the year. Also in this month, The U.S and Russia attempted to coordinate peace talks among the opposition and the Syrian Regime to discuss a Security Council endorsed road map for peace. The talks included a cease fire and a transitional period ending with open elections, but were cut off in February 2016.
The refugee crisis continued to mount in 2016. As of January 2016, just under 4.6 million people were registered as refugees, with over 7.6 million people internally displaced.
Turkey: 2,503,549
Lebanon: 1,069,111
Jordan: 635,324
Egypt: 117,654
Iraq: 245,022
February 2016:
1378 victims were killed in Feb 2016 according to an SNHR report. 651 of which were at the hands of the Syrian regime forces, 382 at the hands of the Russian government, and 207 at the hands of ISIS. Russian forces continued their presence in Syria this month, and caused high death tolls. The start of the Aleppo offensive was launched in Northwest Syria in early February by Russian and Syrian government forces. The offensive attack aimed, and succeeded in the breaking up of the three-year Siege on Nubl and Al-Zahraa. They also effectively cut off the main supply route of the Syrian rebels from Turkey. Reports began to surface that Russian and Syrian forces were directly targeting civilians with air strikes during this time. Thousands of civilians began to flee their homes, heading for the Turkish border. The UN also came out this month, warning that an estimated 300,000 Syrians could be cut off from humanitarian aid. On February 26th, a cessation of hostilities began.
March 2016:
This month marked the 5 year anniversary of the Syrian conflict. The SNHR documented the killing of 673 victims during March 2016. 387 at the hands of government forces, including 74 children and 48 women. Other death tolls include 13 deaths due to Russian forces and 96 at the hands of extremist groups. In early March, Russian forces began airstrikes on Palmyra to fight against ISIS, who had a strong hold in the area and had destroyed ancient ruins in the area. The SNHR reported that no less than 200 shells and 80 airstrikes took place in the city as clashes continued within the first week of March. By the 23rd of the month, Syrian government forces, with the help of Russia, had gained back control of the city. Peace talks resumed this month, brokered by the U.S. and Russia for a nationwide “cessation of hostilities" that excluded extremist groups. The talks collapsed the following month, but brief cease-fire reignited a revolution spark, as multiple protests popped up across the country. Dar’a also saw heavy fighting at the end of March 2016, with high death tolls daily between the 21st and the 30th from fighting between ISIS and the Syrian opposition forces.. The town of Deir al-Assafir saw the killings of 31 civilians, including 12 children and 9 women after government airstrikes. The indiscriminate killing this month was despite the cessation of hostilities agreement adopted on February 26th 2016.
April 2016:
The SNHR documented 1041 victims deaths in April 2016. Of these deaths, 718 were at the hands of government forces and 68 people by Russian forces. 69 people were killed by ISIS and 120 killed by armed oppositions. The SNHR reported that there were no less than 27 massacres this month, and the killings of 16 medical and civil defense cadres. Starting on April 1st, extremist groups started an offensive in Aleppo against the Syrian government. Al-Qaeda, linked to Nusra Front, attacked government forces to take control of a strategic hill. Extremists then loose Al-Qaryatain to the government forces on April 4th. The next day, al-Qaeda, the al-Nursa Front shot down and captured a pilot of the Syrian Arab Air Force near Aleppo. As fighting in Aleppo continued, Syrians were quoted as saying there were massacres each week in the city of Aleppo. During the week of April 15th, at least 210 fighters alone were killed in Aleppo. The death toll at the hands of Russia greatly decreased this month after the cessation of hostilities agreement. However, they continued to play a huge role in the Syrian conflict.
May 2016:
By May 2016, death tolls in Syria had reached the levels they were at before the adoption of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreements in late February 2016. The SNHR estimated that 872 civilians were killed, 498 of them by Syrian government forces. No less than 25 massacres were committed ISIS continued to target Syrian Regime strongholds in Syria, killing hundreds of people in the cities of Jableh and Tartus. Nearly 150 people killed and 200 wounded by ISIS bombings. By the end of the month, ISIS was also able to capture Kafr Kalbeen and Kaljibrin villages from rebel forces in northern Aleppo, cutting the supply lines toward the rebel stronghold of Mare.
June 2016:
1382 victims were killed in January 2016 according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) report. 516 civilians died at the hands of the Syrian regime forces, 679 by Russian Forces and 98 killed by ISIS. In early January 2016, an attack by the Islamic state in eastern Deir ez-Zor left 85 civilians and 50 government troops dead. This attack expanded ISIS’s control in the area. Also present in Deir ez-Zor were Russian Forces, killing 226 civilians alone, backing the Syrian government against ISIS. Russian Forces also killed 212 civilians in Aleppo this month, which was the first sign of the devastation that would be to come for the Aleppo city later in the year. Also in this month, The U.S and Russia attempted to coordinate peace talks among the opposition and the Syrian Regime to discuss a Security Council endorsed road map for peace. The talks included a cease fire and a transitional period ending with open elections, but were cut off in February 2016.
The refugee crisis continued to mount in 2016. As of January 2016, just under 4.6 million people were registered as refugees, with over 7.6 million people internally displaced.
Turkey: 2,503,549
Lebanon: 1,069,111
Jordan: 635,324
Egypt: 117,654
Iraq: 245,022
February 2016:
1378 victims were killed in Feb 2016 according to an SNHR report. 651 of which were at the hands of the Syrian regime forces, 382 at the hands of the Russian government, and 207 at the hands of ISIS. Russian forces continued their presence in Syria this month, and caused high death tolls. The start of the Aleppo offensive was launched in Northwest Syria in early February by Russian and Syrian government forces. The offensive attack aimed, and succeeded in the breaking up of the three-year Siege on Nubl and Al-Zahraa. They also effectively cut off the main supply route of the Syrian rebels from Turkey. Reports began to surface that Russian and Syrian forces were directly targeting civilians with air strikes during this time. Thousands of civilians began to flee their homes, heading for the Turkish border. The UN also came out this month, warning that an estimated 300,000 Syrians could be cut off from humanitarian aid. On February 26th, a cessation of hostilities began.
March 2016:
This month marked the 5 year anniversary of the Syrian conflict. The SNHR documented the killing of 673 victims during March 2016. 387 at the hands of government forces, including 74 children and 48 women. Other death tolls include 13 deaths due to Russian forces and 96 at the hands of extremist groups. In early March, Russian forces began airstrikes on Palmyra to fight against ISIS, who had a strong hold in the area and had destroyed ancient ruins in the area. The SNHR reported that no less than 200 shells and 80 airstrikes took place in the city as clashes continued within the first week of March. By the 23rd of the month, Syrian government forces, with the help of Russia, had gained back control of the city. Peace talks resumed this month, brokered by the U.S. and Russia for a nationwide “cessation of hostilities" that excluded extremist groups. The talks collapsed the following month, but brief cease-fire reignited a revolution spark, as multiple protests popped up across the country. Dar’a also saw heavy fighting at the end of March 2016, with high death tolls daily between the 21st and the 30th from fighting between ISIS and the Syrian opposition forces.. The town of Deir al-Assafir saw the killings of 31 civilians, including 12 children and 9 women after government airstrikes. The indiscriminate killing this month was despite the cessation of hostilities agreement adopted on February 26th 2016.
April 2016:
The SNHR documented 1041 victims deaths in April 2016. Of these deaths, 718 were at the hands of government forces and 68 people by Russian forces. 69 people were killed by ISIS and 120 killed by armed oppositions. The SNHR reported that there were no less than 27 massacres this month, and the killings of 16 medical and civil defense cadres. Starting on April 1st, extremist groups started an offensive in Aleppo against the Syrian government. Al-Qaeda, linked to Nusra Front, attacked government forces to take control of a strategic hill. Extremists then loose Al-Qaryatain to the government forces on April 4th. The next day, al-Qaeda, the al-Nursa Front shot down and captured a pilot of the Syrian Arab Air Force near Aleppo. As fighting in Aleppo continued, Syrians were quoted as saying there were massacres each week in the city of Aleppo. During the week of April 15th, at least 210 fighters alone were killed in Aleppo. The death toll at the hands of Russia greatly decreased this month after the cessation of hostilities agreement. However, they continued to play a huge role in the Syrian conflict.
May 2016:
By May 2016, death tolls in Syria had reached the levels they were at before the adoption of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreements in late February 2016. The SNHR estimated that 872 civilians were killed, 498 of them by Syrian government forces. No less than 25 massacres were committed ISIS continued to target Syrian Regime strongholds in Syria, killing hundreds of people in the cities of Jableh and Tartus. Nearly 150 people killed and 200 wounded by ISIS bombings. By the end of the month, ISIS was also able to capture Kafr Kalbeen and Kaljibrin villages from rebel forces in northern Aleppo, cutting the supply lines toward the rebel stronghold of Mare.
June 2016:
In the first half of 2016, 6567 civilians had been killed in Syria, with a total of 1271 civilians killed in June 2016. Government forces killed a total of 706 civilians this month, including 101 children and 79 women. Other high death tolls were at the hands of Russian forces with 187 victims and ISIS with 76 victims. June 2016 saw a significant escalation of conflict, and an intensification of human rights violations. Aleppo specifically saw an increase in fighting as government forces fought for control. Starting on June 3rd 2016, government forces began bombing raids in Aleppo, killing 31 civilians. Throughout the beginning of June, government and Russian forces continued to strike Aleppo. ISIS launched a counterattack that reversed government gains in Ar-Raqqa Province, and also attacked a Jordanians border town. These actions were to show that ISIS still had a hand in the war.
Humanitarian aid needs by June 2016 hit high magnitudes. At this point, the UN estimated that a total of 13,500,000 were in need of humanitarian aid, including 2,800,000 children. 4.49 million of these people were in areas that were near impossible to reach with aid.
By this time in 2016, refugee numbers had hit 4,837,134 people.
Turkey: 2,739,326
Lebanon: 1,048,275
Jordan: 655,217
Iraq: 247,339
Egypt: 117,702
North Africa: 29,275
July 2016:
In July 2016, a total of 1557 victims with killed in Syria, according to a SNHR report. The Syrian government killed a total of 769 civilians, including 253 children and 197 women. The largest amount of killings took place in Aleppo and Damascus. Russia also continued their heavy presence in Aleppo throughout July. Government forces continued their attacks in Aleppo. On July 1st, government forces attacked a crowded market in Tariq al-Bab district in Aleppo city, killing 17 including five children. Russian Forces killed a total of 239 people in Syria this month, 193 of those deaths took place in Aleppo. By July 28th, Syrian government forces had completely encircled Aleppo. Assad then announced a three-month amnesty for oppositions to surrender. Two days following the announcement, Russia announced a corridor for civilians to escape rebel-held areas from Aleppo. The Syrian government dropped 244 barrel bombs in July, in the "de-escalation zones", targeting Daraa governorate, the Damascus suburbs, Suwayda, Hama and Homs.
August 2016:
In August 2016, a total of 1521 civilians were killed in Syria according to an SNHR report. The Syrian Regime was responsible for 898 civilian deaths in August 2018, including 247 children and 193 women. Numbers from this month point to regime forces directly targeting women and children. The siege on Aleppo continued this month, with a total of 748 civilian deaths. Government forces continued to gain ground against rebel led areas. The government forces were supported by Russian Forces, Hezbollah and other pro government militias in their attempts to surround rebel held areas. Idlib also saw heavy attacks from government forces. In addition to the 274 civilian deaths at the hands of government forces, dozens were left ill in early August from a chlorine attack. In the end of August, the Turkish government sent in warplanes and tanks their border in an effort to drive out ISIS fighters.
September 2016:
In September 2016, a total of 1176 civilians were killed according to a SNHR report. Government forces had high civilian death tolls in September, with 602 civilian deaths, including 163 women and 192 children. Russian Forces also had high death tolls this month with 391 total, including 24 women and 114 children. Government and Russian forces continued to target Aleppo causing 461 deaths in that area alone. On September 11th in Idlib, an estimated 100 people were killed in a series of airstrikes on a market full of people. The next day, on September 12th, a cessation of hostilities was announced, but only held for a total of seven days. After seven days, the brutal conflict continued, especially in Aleppo, Homs and Rural Damascus. The unprecedented levels of violence throughout Syria in September 2016 made delivery of humanitarian assistance near impossible, especially in besieged areas. Another notable death toll this month was from ISIS, with a total of 99 civilian deaths, including 5 women and 17 children.
October 2016:
In October 2016, a total of 1106 civilians were killed in Syria, including 168 women and 273 children. 791 of the total deaths were at the hands of the Syrian-Russian alliance. The percentage of women and children victims at the hands of the Syrian Regime was 42%, indicating that they were directly targeted. Violations against children specifically included maiming, attacks on schools, hospitals, sexual violence, abduction, and recruitment. The humanitarian situation in Syria continued to deteriorate into the month of October, especially in Aleppo, Idlib, and Rural Damascus. An October 18th ceasefire was launched in Aleppo, Idlib, and Rural Damascus, but was short lived. At least 44 ceasefire violations by armed groups were recorded. In Aleppo, a total of 512 civilians were killed, 260 of which were at the hands of the Russian Regime. In Western Aleppo alone, an estimated 1.2 million people did not have access to water or other humanitarian assistance. Rebel groups launched a military operation against government forces in late October to gain back territory and establish new supply lines. Using car bombers and heavy fighting, the rebels gained back the Minyan district. The Syrian Regime heavily targeted Damascus and its suburbs this month, killing a total of 105 civilians and leaving 70% of the population cut off from safe drinking water from damages to the Barada pipeline.
November 2016:
A total of 1402 civilians were killed in November 2016, including 261 women and 371 children. Russian forces and Syrian Regime forces had exceptionally high death tolls this month with 1099 civilians. 48% of the death tolls being children and women. The offensive in Aleppo hit an all time high, with 301 deaths at the hands of the Russian forces, 285 deaths at the hand of Regime forces, and 79 at the hands of the armed opposition. Tens of thousands of people have also been displaced up to this point from Aleppo. The rebel forces were still operating their offensive in Aleppo in early November, looking to gain back territory they lost during the Syrian-Russian alliance offensive in the city after a series of Russian airstrikes and heavy air fire. Russian forces called for a humanitarian corridor in early November, demanding all rebel forces to leave, which was yet another unsuccessful attempt, and wouldnt be done successfully until December 2016. Rural Damascus, Homs, Hama and Deir-ez-Zor also witnessed heavy fighting this month due to heavy military operations. “November had the lowest rate of Inter-Agency convoy deliveries to besieged and hard-to-reach areas inside Syria since January 2016” according to UNICEF. Military operations in Raqqa to fight ISIS also led to an estimated 10,000 internally displaced people.
December 2016:
A total of 827 civilians were killed this month, including 210 children and 93 women. Highest death tolls were at the hands of the Syrian Regime with 411 deaths, including 114 children and 42 women. Russian Forces killed 151 civilians, and armed opposition forces killed 115 civilians. In Aleppo, the advances by government forces in besieged East Aleppo resulted in further displacement of residents, as they captured two-thirds of the rebel held areas. It is estimated that from 27 November until 12 December, an edtimated 37,000 people had fled from East Aleppo, the majority being women and children during an evacuation cease-fire agreement was reached. Humanitarian agencies helped get people out in convoys and provide assistance to those that needed it, taking civilians and fighters to Idlib.
Throughout 2016, 16,913 civilians had been killed in Syria, 51% at the hands of the Syrian Regime, 23% at the hands of Russian Forces, 9% from ISIS and 6% from armed opposition forces. The death tolls included 3923 children's and 2562 women.
By the end of 2016, 4,860,897 refugees had been registered, 2,308,897 children.
Turkey: 2,764,500
Lebanon: 1,017,433
Jordan: 633,466
Iraq: 228,894
Egypt: 123,585
Humanitarian aid needs by June 2016 hit high magnitudes. At this point, the UN estimated that a total of 13,500,000 were in need of humanitarian aid, including 2,800,000 children. 4.49 million of these people were in areas that were near impossible to reach with aid.
By this time in 2016, refugee numbers had hit 4,837,134 people.
Turkey: 2,739,326
Lebanon: 1,048,275
Jordan: 655,217
Iraq: 247,339
Egypt: 117,702
North Africa: 29,275
July 2016:
In July 2016, a total of 1557 victims with killed in Syria, according to a SNHR report. The Syrian government killed a total of 769 civilians, including 253 children and 197 women. The largest amount of killings took place in Aleppo and Damascus. Russia also continued their heavy presence in Aleppo throughout July. Government forces continued their attacks in Aleppo. On July 1st, government forces attacked a crowded market in Tariq al-Bab district in Aleppo city, killing 17 including five children. Russian Forces killed a total of 239 people in Syria this month, 193 of those deaths took place in Aleppo. By July 28th, Syrian government forces had completely encircled Aleppo. Assad then announced a three-month amnesty for oppositions to surrender. Two days following the announcement, Russia announced a corridor for civilians to escape rebel-held areas from Aleppo. The Syrian government dropped 244 barrel bombs in July, in the "de-escalation zones", targeting Daraa governorate, the Damascus suburbs, Suwayda, Hama and Homs.
August 2016:
In August 2016, a total of 1521 civilians were killed in Syria according to an SNHR report. The Syrian Regime was responsible for 898 civilian deaths in August 2018, including 247 children and 193 women. Numbers from this month point to regime forces directly targeting women and children. The siege on Aleppo continued this month, with a total of 748 civilian deaths. Government forces continued to gain ground against rebel led areas. The government forces were supported by Russian Forces, Hezbollah and other pro government militias in their attempts to surround rebel held areas. Idlib also saw heavy attacks from government forces. In addition to the 274 civilian deaths at the hands of government forces, dozens were left ill in early August from a chlorine attack. In the end of August, the Turkish government sent in warplanes and tanks their border in an effort to drive out ISIS fighters.
September 2016:
In September 2016, a total of 1176 civilians were killed according to a SNHR report. Government forces had high civilian death tolls in September, with 602 civilian deaths, including 163 women and 192 children. Russian Forces also had high death tolls this month with 391 total, including 24 women and 114 children. Government and Russian forces continued to target Aleppo causing 461 deaths in that area alone. On September 11th in Idlib, an estimated 100 people were killed in a series of airstrikes on a market full of people. The next day, on September 12th, a cessation of hostilities was announced, but only held for a total of seven days. After seven days, the brutal conflict continued, especially in Aleppo, Homs and Rural Damascus. The unprecedented levels of violence throughout Syria in September 2016 made delivery of humanitarian assistance near impossible, especially in besieged areas. Another notable death toll this month was from ISIS, with a total of 99 civilian deaths, including 5 women and 17 children.
October 2016:
In October 2016, a total of 1106 civilians were killed in Syria, including 168 women and 273 children. 791 of the total deaths were at the hands of the Syrian-Russian alliance. The percentage of women and children victims at the hands of the Syrian Regime was 42%, indicating that they were directly targeted. Violations against children specifically included maiming, attacks on schools, hospitals, sexual violence, abduction, and recruitment. The humanitarian situation in Syria continued to deteriorate into the month of October, especially in Aleppo, Idlib, and Rural Damascus. An October 18th ceasefire was launched in Aleppo, Idlib, and Rural Damascus, but was short lived. At least 44 ceasefire violations by armed groups were recorded. In Aleppo, a total of 512 civilians were killed, 260 of which were at the hands of the Russian Regime. In Western Aleppo alone, an estimated 1.2 million people did not have access to water or other humanitarian assistance. Rebel groups launched a military operation against government forces in late October to gain back territory and establish new supply lines. Using car bombers and heavy fighting, the rebels gained back the Minyan district. The Syrian Regime heavily targeted Damascus and its suburbs this month, killing a total of 105 civilians and leaving 70% of the population cut off from safe drinking water from damages to the Barada pipeline.
November 2016:
A total of 1402 civilians were killed in November 2016, including 261 women and 371 children. Russian forces and Syrian Regime forces had exceptionally high death tolls this month with 1099 civilians. 48% of the death tolls being children and women. The offensive in Aleppo hit an all time high, with 301 deaths at the hands of the Russian forces, 285 deaths at the hand of Regime forces, and 79 at the hands of the armed opposition. Tens of thousands of people have also been displaced up to this point from Aleppo. The rebel forces were still operating their offensive in Aleppo in early November, looking to gain back territory they lost during the Syrian-Russian alliance offensive in the city after a series of Russian airstrikes and heavy air fire. Russian forces called for a humanitarian corridor in early November, demanding all rebel forces to leave, which was yet another unsuccessful attempt, and wouldnt be done successfully until December 2016. Rural Damascus, Homs, Hama and Deir-ez-Zor also witnessed heavy fighting this month due to heavy military operations. “November had the lowest rate of Inter-Agency convoy deliveries to besieged and hard-to-reach areas inside Syria since January 2016” according to UNICEF. Military operations in Raqqa to fight ISIS also led to an estimated 10,000 internally displaced people.
December 2016:
A total of 827 civilians were killed this month, including 210 children and 93 women. Highest death tolls were at the hands of the Syrian Regime with 411 deaths, including 114 children and 42 women. Russian Forces killed 151 civilians, and armed opposition forces killed 115 civilians. In Aleppo, the advances by government forces in besieged East Aleppo resulted in further displacement of residents, as they captured two-thirds of the rebel held areas. It is estimated that from 27 November until 12 December, an edtimated 37,000 people had fled from East Aleppo, the majority being women and children during an evacuation cease-fire agreement was reached. Humanitarian agencies helped get people out in convoys and provide assistance to those that needed it, taking civilians and fighters to Idlib.
Throughout 2016, 16,913 civilians had been killed in Syria, 51% at the hands of the Syrian Regime, 23% at the hands of Russian Forces, 9% from ISIS and 6% from armed opposition forces. The death tolls included 3923 children's and 2562 women.
By the end of 2016, 4,860,897 refugees had been registered, 2,308,897 children.
Turkey: 2,764,500
Lebanon: 1,017,433
Jordan: 633,466
Iraq: 228,894
Egypt: 123,585