Skip links

Education in Danger Monthly News Brief, December 2024

Countries: Afghanistan, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Haiti, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Myanmar, occupied Palestinian territory, Russian Federation, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Ukraine
Source: Insecurity Insight

Please refer to the attached file.

Safety, security and access incidents

Incidents of threats and violence affecting the provision of education.

Africa

Cameroon

12 December 2024: In Doutchi village, Far North region, a primary school was looted by Boko Haram militants. The building was damaged and school equipment stolen.* Source: Humanity Purpose

12 December 2024: In Bargaram locality, Logone and Chari department, Far North region, roofs, tables and benches were taken from an unspecified of schools by Boko Haram militants to make boats and shelters.* Source: Humanity Purpose

14 December 2024: In Tchika village, Far North region, tables and benches were stolen from three classrooms of a public school at around 23:00hrs.* Source: Humanity Purpose

Ethiopia

01 December 2024: In Akarmit Kebele, Minjar Shenkora, North Shewa, Amhara region, Akarmit Primary School was hit by an ENDF drone strike, killing two people and injuring another.* Sources: Amhara War Update and Amhara Association of America

09 December 2024: In Fagita Kebele, Fagita-Lekoma woreda, Awi zone, Amhara region, an elementary school which had been taken over and used by unidentified perpetrator to detain ENDF soldiers was hit by an ENDF drone strike.* Sources: Amhara Association of America

11 December 2024: In Yetmen Kebele, Enemay woreda, Misraq Gojjam zone, Amhara region, an elementary school which had been taken over and used by ENDF soldiers, was attacked by Amhara Fano militia.* Source: Amhara Association of America

13 December 2024: In Tilili town, Guagusa-Shikudad woreda, Agew Awi zone, Amhara region, teachers were forcibly gathered for a meeting with ENDF soldiers. During the meeting Fano militia started firing nearby. No injuries were reported.* Source: Amhara Association of America

Between 16 and 17 December 2024: In Raya Alamata, students were prohibited from resuming educational learning by the ENDF’s military command who issued an order that halted their attendance. Source: Amhara Association of America

22 December 2024: In the Qimbaba area, Amhara region, Qimbaba Primary School was taken over and used for military purposes by Fano fighters.* Source: Amhara Association of America

24 December 2024: In Surba Kebele, Sekela woreda, Amhara region, an elementary school was damaged by an ENDF drone strike, killing and injuring between seven to 10 people, predominantly those who were recently defected regime soldiers.* Sources: Amhara War Updates and AmharaAssociation of America

Sudan

As reported on 02 December 2024: In the Al-Azhari area, Jebel Awliya locality, Khartoum city and state, a teacher was killed by the RSF while he was taking his students, who were taking the secondary school exams, to register in the centres where the exams would be held.* Source: SudanViolations

02 December 2024: In Sennar city, the Rapid Support Militia (Janjaweed) inflicted significant damage on Sennar University’s Faculty of Agricultural Research, including its scientific library.* Source: Sudanese Echo

10 December 2024: In Omdurman city, Khartoum state, the RSF bombed a public bus carrying school children as part of a wider attack that left 65 people dead. An unspecified number of people got injured.* Source: Personal Communication

17 December 2024: In Sheikh Al Siddiq area, Al Qatana locality, White Nile state, students were attacked and prevented from travelling to take their exams by RSF soldiers. School books were also destroyed during the attack.* Source: Sudan Violations

17 December 2024: In Nyala city, South Darfur state, Sada Ali neighborhood, Nyala Secondary School sheltering IDPs was hit by suspected SAF airstrikes at around 21:00 hrs, killing two people and injuring 21 others. Some people were trapped under the rubble.* Source: Radio Dabanga

19 December 2024: In Nyala city, South Darfur state, Nine people were killed and over 15 injured when the Sudanese Air Force struck the Nyala Boys’ Secondary School sheltering IDPs.* Source: DNHRand Personnel Communication

26 December 2024: In RSF-controlled locations, students were prevented by the RSF from travelling to SAF-controlled areas and sitting for their secondary examinations. Source: Personal Communication

28 December 2024: In El Fasher city, North Darfur state, Qoz Bina School sheltering IDPs was hit in a RSF drone strike, killing an unspecified number of people and injuring 17 others.* Source: Jubraka News

Asia

Afghanistan

02 December 2024: In Kabul city, the Taliban’s Ministry of Public Health, under the supreme leader’s directive, ordered the closure of all public and private medical institutions for female education, halting enrolment and teaching in midwifery, dentistry, nursing, and laboratory sciences. This comes after more than three years of a ban on girls attending school and university. Sources: Amu Tv, HRW, Scholars at Risk Network

Indonesia

10 December 2024: In Sinak district, Puncak regency, Central Papua province, SMAN 1 Sinak High School and SDN 1 Sinak Elementary School were fired at by ten Kelompok Kriminal Bersenjata (KKB) members at around 19:30.* Source: Suara News Papua

Myanmar

01 December 2024: In Gwa town and township, Thandwe district, Rakhine state, a high school building was damaged in a Myanmar junta airstrike.* Source: Narinjara

02 December 2024: In Na Be Myit village, Natogyi township, Myingyan district, Mandalay region, a Korean language school was hit by a 300-pound bomb dropped by Myanmar junta warplanes at around 13:30, killing two students and injuring another.* Source: Myanmar Witness

03 December 2024: In Salin town and township, Minbu district, Magway region, a school and a monastery were destroyed by a Myanmar junta drone strike.* Source: Myaelatt Athan – MyaelattAthan

03 December 2024: In Kawthaung town, township and district, Tanintharyi region, a local school occupied by Myanmar junta forces was attacked by firearms by the Kawthule Army.* Source: ThanLwin Times

04 December 2024: In Natogyi town and township, Myingyan district, Mandalay region, a primary school and a monastery were damaged in a Myanmar military airstrike.* Source: Khit Thit Media

05 December 2024: In Ngazun town and township, Myingyan district, Mandalay region, a primary school was destroyed in a junta airstrike using a Harbin Y-12 aeroplane.* Source: DVB

05 December 2024: In Bhamo town, township and district, Kachin state, a private high school was taken over by junta soldiers who positioned themselves at the facility.* Source: The 74 Media

05 December 2024: In Bhamo town, township and district, Kachin state, a teacher and three others were killed when a small artillery shell exploded during the exchange of fire between the junta forces and the PDF.* Source: The 74 Media

05 December 2024: In Tha Kyin village, Ngazun township, Myingyan district, Mandalay region, a school was destroyed in a Myanmar junta airstrike using a Y-12 aircraft to drop around thirty 80mm and 81mm bombs, between 20:45 and 22:00.* Source: ACLED(1)

06 December 2024: In Kan Day village, Toungup township, Thandwe district, Rakhine state, a school was damaged by two bombs dropped by Myanmar junta fighter jets at around 12:00.* Sources: Mizzima, Myanmar Witness and Western News

09 December 2024: In Bhamo town, township and district, Kachin state, schools and homes were on fire as a result of the fighting between Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and junta forces.* Sources: BBC Burmese and Western News

09 December 2024: In Pakokku city, township and district, Magway region, a school was damaged due to a drone attack by the PDF.* Source: People Media

10 December 2024: In Hinthada town, township and district, Ayeyarwady region, a teacher from Hinthada Technical High School was arrested by the Military Security Force (MSF), and members of the military council on charges of supporting the PDF. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison a few days after his arrest. Sources: Ayeyarwaddy Times, DVBand Mizzima

11 December 2024: In Hinthada town, township and district, Ayeyarwady region, four teachers from Hinthada Technical High School were arrested by the Military Security Force (MSF) and members of the military council on charges of supporting the PDF. They were each sentenced to 10 years in prison a few days after the arrests. Sources: Ayeyarwaddy Times, DVBand Mizzima

12 December 2024: In Salin town and township, Minbu district, Magway region, a school was damaged by junta Mi-35 helicopters.* Source: The Irrawaddy

12 December 2024: In Ye town, township and district, Mon state, a CDM male teacher and two female teachers were arrested by junta forces. Sources: DVBand Independent Mon NewsAgency

21 December 2024: In Yenangyaung town and township, Magway district and region, a school teacher from a basic education high school was kidnapped by ten PDF fighters, taken away and shot dead. Source: People Media

22 December 2024: In Bhamo town, township and district, Kachin state, the University of Technology occupied by Myanmar junta forces was attacked by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) using heavy weapons and drones.* Source: People’s Spring

22 December 2024: In Pakokku city, township and district, Magway region, a school and 136 homes were burned down by the 101st Division.* Sources: DVB TV News and Khit Thit Media

23 December 2024: In Wundwin town and township, Meiktila district, Chin state, around 30 Myamanr junta soldiers stationed at a school were attacked by Wundwin Township Revolution Force (WTRF). At least two soldiers were killed.* Source: Khit Thit Media

23 December 2024: In Kanpetlet town and township, Mindat district, Chin state, a high school, education office, police station, monastery compound, forest office and a general administration office were taken over by nearly 100 junta soldiers .* Sources: Development Media Group and Shwe Phee Myay News Agency

23 December 2024: In Nyaunglebin town and township, Bago district and region, a school was hit and damaged in a drone strike by the 439th Battalion of the Myanmar Armed Forces.* Sources: Khit Thit Media and RFA Burmese

24 December 2024: In Myaing Thar village, Myingyan district, Mandalay region, a school was destroyed in a military council airstrike.* Sources: Mizzima

25 December 2024: In Zarat Gyi village, Taungtha township, Myingyan district, Mandalay region, the village school was damaged by two bombs dropped by the military council warplanes.* Source: Mizzima

27 December 2024: In Yesagyo town and township, Pakokku district, Magway region, three Basic Education School teachers were kidnapped by the PDF members. Source: People Media

27 December 2024: In Gangaw town, township and district, Magway region, a local school was hit in an artillery attack by Myanmar junta forces.* Source: Modern Times

29 December 2024: In Gangaw town, township and district, Magway region, a high school building was set on fire by PDF members, destroying a classroom building.* Sources: Halls, Modern Timesand People Media

29 December 2024: In Thaton town and district, Mon state, the headmistress of a post-primary school was arrested by Myanmar junta forces. Source: Myanmar Pressphoto Agency

31 December 2024: In Ponnagyun town and township, Sittwe district, Rakhine state, a school, a monastery and a house were damaged in Myanmar junta airstrikes.* Sources: Development MediaGroupand Narinjara

Europe

Russian Federation

03 December 2024: In Staraya Stanitsa, Kamenskiy, Rostov oblast, a kindergarten was hit and damaged by debris from a Ukrainian drone shot down by Russian forces.* Source: Oreanda News

Ukraine

03 December 2024: In Nikopol city, Dnipropetrovsk oblast, an educational facility was damaged when Russian forces launched drone strikes and shelled it with MLRS and artillery.* Source: ACLED(1)

10 December 2024: In Zaporizhia city, urban hromada, raion and oblast, a school and after-school facilities were partially destroyed in a Russian missile attack.* Sources: TrueUA

13 December 2024: In Pryluky city and raion, Chernihiv oblast, a secondary school was damaged by Russian drone strikes.* Sources: Fenix Insightand Pravda

18 December 2024: In Kryvyi Rih city, urban hromada and raion, Dnipropetrovsk oblast, a school, hospital, a shop and two high-rise buildings were damaged by rockets fired by Russian forces on the city.* Sources: 1kr, Armyinform, Donbas News, DW, Gazeta, Krivbass, News Liga, NikopolNews, Ostro, Reporter, Sobitieand Ukrinform

24 December 2024: In Sumy city, urban hromada, raion and oblast, the Sumy Region Police received reports of the bombing of several schools and medical facilities in the city. Among them were the St. Zinaida Children’s Hospital and the Central City Hospital. Evacuation measures were being carried out in all reported buildings.* Sources: Dancor, Debaty, Sumy, Everyday Sumy, Misto Sumy and Sumy Post

25 December 2024: In Dnipro city, urban hromada and raion, Dnipropetrovsk oblast, six schools, seven kindergartens and a medical facility were damaged in a suspected Russian forces attack on the city. Sources: Bukvy, News Liga, RBC, Ukrinformand We-Ukraine

Middle East and North Africa

Iraq

10 December 2024: In Barchi village, Al Amadiya district, Duhok governorate, Nahil School was hit by Turkish forces artillery shelling.* Sources: Fenix Insightand Shafaq

Israel

19 December 2024: In Ramart Elfal neighbourhood, Ramat Gan city, Tel Aviv district, a missile warhead, which was part of a ballistic missile shot from Yemen by Houthi rebels and intercepted by Israeli Defence Forces, fell onto an elementary school, where it exploded upon impact and caused significant damage. At least three persons were injured.* Sources: BBC, Camera, Israel Hayom, Security Council Report, The New Arab and Xinhua

Occupied Palestinian Territory Gaza

As reported on 01 December 2024: In the Gaza Strip, a UNRWA spokesperson reported that 415,000 displaced Palestinians are sheltering in UNRWA schools, intended for education and not refuge, across Gaza due to the ongoing conflict. Source: WAFA

02 December 2024: In Jabalia Refugee Camp, North Gaza governorate, Halima al-Sadia School sheltering IDPs was hit by an Israeli airstrike, killing one child and injuring eight other people.* Sources: New Press, WAFAand WAFA I

02 December 2024: In Jabalia Refugee Camp, North Gaza governorate, Halima al-Sadia School was shelled by Israeli forces, killing one woman with tank fire.* Source: ACLED(1)

03 December 2024: Near Al-Ghafri Junction, Gaza city and governorate, a school was hit in an Israeli drone strike, killingone person and injuring an unspecified number of others.* Source: WAFA

03 December 2024: In Al-Zeitoun neighbourhood, Gaza city and governorate, the third floor of al- Falah school, an UNRWA school sheltering displaced people was hit by an Israeli airstrike, killing six people and injuring at least ten others.* Sources: OCHA Update 245 and WAFA

04 December 2024: In Al-Bureij Refugee Camp, Deir al-Balah governorate, an unspecified number of people, including a doctor at al Aqsa Martyrs, were killed or injured when UNRWA Abu Hamisa School sheltering displaced people was hit by Israeli airstrikes, causing fires that destroyed over 15 tents.* Sources: Al Jazeera, Quds News Network and WAFA

04 December 2024: In Beit Lahia city, North Gaza governorate, the vicinity of Abu Tammam School was hit by Israeli airstrikes, killing and injuring an unspecified number of people.* Sources: WAFAand WAFA I

04 December 2024: Summary: In Beit Lahia city, North Gaza governorate, three schools and nearby homes were surrounded by Israeli forces, displacing more than 5,500 people to Gaza city. Source: OCHA News

06 December 2024: In Jabalia city, North Gaza governorate, Ra’afi School sheltering IDPS was hit by an Israeli airstrike, killing two people.* Sources: Al Jazeera, Al Ahed and WAFA

06 December 2024: In Al-Rimal neighbourhood, Gaza city and governorate, the vicinity of Ahmed Shawqi School was hit by an Israeli drone strike, killing three Palestinians and injuring an unspecified number of others.* Source: WAFA

09 December 2024: In Deir al-Balah governorate, Al-Ezz School was shelled by Israeli forces.*Source: WAFA

10 December 2024: In Al-Maghazi Refugee Camp, Deir al-Balah governorate, two IDPs were injured in an UNRWA school by Israeli tank shelling.* Source: UNRWA

11 December 2024: In Deir al-Balah Refugee Camp, Deir al-Balah governorate, the vicinity of Deir al-Balah Preparatory School sheltering IDPs was hit by an Israeli drone strike, killing one person and injuring an unspecified number of others.* Source: WAFA

14 December 2024: In Al-Tuffah neighbourhood, Gaza city and governorate, Yaffa School was raided by Israeli forces. Two people were killed and an unspecified number of others were injured.* Source: WAFA

14 December 2024: In Al-Rimal, Gaza governorate, Al-Majida Wasila School sheltering IDPs was hit by Israeli airstrikes, killing seven Palestinians and injuring an unspecified number of others, including children.* Source: WAFA

15 December 2024: In Al-Zeitoun neighbourhood, Gaza city and governorate, Al-Hurriya School and nearby homes were bombed by Israeli forces, killing two people and injuring an unspecified number of others.* Source: Quds News Network

15 December 2024: In Al Nuseirat Camp, Deir El Balah governorate, an UNRWA school was hit by shrapnel from three Israeli airstrikes on the new camp.* Source: UNRWA

15 December 2024: In Khan Yunis governorate, the third floor of the UNRWA-run Ahmed bin Abdul Aziz School sheltering IDPs near Nasser Medical Complex, was hit by Israeli airstrikes, killing at least 20 people, including 12 children under the age of 12, and injuring an unspecified number of others.* Sources: IRC, OCHA Update 247, Quds News Network, Quds News Network I and WAFA

15 December 2024: In Beit Hanoun city, North Gaza governorate, Khalil Awida School sheltering IDPs was stormed and besieged by Israeli forces, forcing thousands to flee amid shelling and gunfire. At least 40 people were killed and an unspecified number of others injured. After the attack, many displaced people, including women and children, were forced towards a military checkpoint on Salah al-Din Street. An unspecified number of men were also arrested during the attack.* Sources: OCHAUpdate 247, Quds News Network, Quds News Network I, Quds News Network II, Quds NewsNetwork III and WAFA

As reported on 16 December 2024: In East Tuffah neighbourhood, Gaza city and governorate, Yaffa School sheltering IDPs was reportedly hit by suspected Israeli airstrikes.* Source: OCHANews

As reported on 16 December 2024: In Gaza city and governorate, Khalil Awada School sheltering over 1,500 people was surrounded by Israeli forces. Dozens of people were reportedly killed amid heavy shelling.* Source: OCHA News

17 December 2024: In Beit Lahia city, North Gaza governorate, the UNRWA-run Khalifa Bin Zayed School was hit by an Israeli airstrike, killing one person and injuring three others including two children.* Source: WAFA

19 December 2024: In Al-Tuffah, Gaza governorate, Shaban al-Rais School sheltering IDPs was hit by Israeli airstrikes.* Source: WAFA

19 December 2024: In Al-Tuffah, Gaza governorate, Al-Karama School sheltering IDPs was hit by Israeli airstrikes.* Source: WAFA

22 December 2024: In Al-Daraj, Gaza governorate, Musa Bin Nusayr School sheltering IDPs, was hit by Israeli airstrikes, killing at least eight people and injuring an unspecified number of others.* Source: WAFA

25 December 2024: In the Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood, Gaza city and governorate, Al- Muhabbain school sheltering IDPs was hit by Israeli airstrikes at about 01:30, killing six people, including a child, and injuring an unspecified number of others.* Sources: OCHA Update 251 and WAFA

West Bank

02 December 2024: In Dura al-Qar’a, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, Dura al-Qar’a Boy’s School was raided and students forced to leave by Israeli forces.* Source: WAFA

03 December 2024: In Ad Deirat village, Hebron city and governorate, the Israeli Civil Administration raided and issued a stop-work order against the newly rebuilt Khallet Amira School. The school, which was relocated approximately 800 meters from its original site, was being rebuilt by an international NGO following its demolition earlier in the year. The stop-work order was issued before the construction was completed, affecting 48 students and nine school staff. The original Khallet Amira Primary School was demolished by the Israeli Civil Administration, accompanied by Israeli forces, on 08 July 2024. The school was established in January 2024 and prior to its demolition consisted of seven classrooms, a WASH facility with five latrines, and two water tanks.* Source: OCHA Update 248

08 December 2024: In Masafer Yatta village, Hebron city and governorate, the Israeli High Court ruled that the Israeli Civil Administration could proceed with the demolition of the Khirbet Al Fakheit School. The decision followed the rejection of an appeal submitted in 2022 by the school to prevent the demolition. In response, a new petition was submitted to the Israeli High Court challenging both the rejection of the waiver to submit a building permit application and the demolition orders. The donor-funded school, located within the Israeli-designated Firing Zone 918, served approximately 130 students and was the only high school in Masafer Yatta. The community had donated the land for the school.* Source: OCHA Update 248

09 December 2024: In Arroub Refugee Camp, Hebron governorate, Al-Arroub Secondary School for Boys was raided and forcibly closed by Israeli forces.* Source: WAFA

10 December 2024: In Hebron city and governorate, students were prevented from entering and leaving the Palestine Polytechnic University, as the surrounding area was seized and declared a military zone by Israeli forces.* Source: WAFA

10 December 2024: In Al-Lubban village, Nablus governorate, a sixth grade student was run over by an Israeli settler while he was leaving the Al-Sawiya-Al-Lubban Secondary School. The incident caused fractures to bones in his lower body. Three girls from the same school reported that the settler attempted to run them over, but they managed to evade the vehicle.* Sources: OCHA Update248and WAFA

14 December 2024: In Hebron city and governorate, Palestine Polytechnic University was stormed by Israeli forces and threatening flyers were placed within the campus.* Source: WAFA

14 December 2024: In Hebron city and governorate, Hebron University was stormed by Israeli forces and threatening flyers were placed within the campus.* Sources: Palinfoand WAFA

15 December 2024: In As Salaymeh neighbourhood, Hebron city and governorate, Israeli forces installed a barbed wire barrier in the restricted area of H2, restricting access to the Ziyad Jaber School, which serves 285 boys from first to seventh grades. Source: OCHA Update 252

16 December 2024: In Al-Khader, Bethlehem governorate, an unspecified number of students from Al-Khader School were attacked with tear gas and sound bombs fired by Israeli forces while they were returning home from school. Their bags were seized and searched and an attempted arrest was made on one student.* Source: WAFA

29 December 2024: In Hebron city and governorate, the dormitories of Palestine Polytechnic University were raided by PA forces who detained and physically assaulted several students from Jenin.* Source: Al Manar

Syrian Arab Republic

01 December 2024: In Aleppo city and governorate, the entrance of the University Hospital in Aleppo-University was hit by Syrian and Russian airstrikes, killing 12 people. Source: ACLED¹

As reported on 04 December 2024: In Aleppo city and governorate, an unspecified number of schools were reportedly closed. Source: OCHA News

Yemen

01 December 2024: In Al Boumiya village, Uzlat Barashah region, Maqbanah district, Taizz city and governorate, a school was hit by a Houthi drone strike, killing six people and injuring eight others.* Sources: Saba New, South24and Yemen Monitor

07 December 2024: In Ibb city and governorate, a Malaysian University professor was arrested by Houthi forces and transferred to a prison in Sana’a after a student complained about a lecture criticizing Houthi actions.* Sources: KHBR and Yemen Shabab

25 December 2024: In Rehab area, Al Qafr district, Ibb governorate, the newly appointed Director of the Educational Centre closed the women’s Quran Memorisation School of the Grand Mosque, confiscating its content, and turning it into living quarters for Houthi fighters.* Sources: KFBR, Scope 24 and Yemen TV

The Americas

Haiti

12 December 2024: In Pont-Sondé, Vallée de l’Artibonite region, Artibonite department, three students were kidnapped by armed bandits. A ransom of 250 000 Haitian dollars each was demanded for their release. Source: Le Placentin

13 December 2024: In Avenue Poupelard, Nazon, Port-au-Prince city, Ouest department, a school was set on fire by an unidentified armed gang.* Source: Radio Télé Métronome

This Monthly News Brief comprises reported incidents of threatened or actual violence affecting education. It is part of the Education in Danger project by Insecurity Insight. It is prepared from information available in local, national and international news outlets and online databases. The incidents reported are not a complete nor a representative list of all events that affected the provision of education and have not been independently verified. This document is funded and supported by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The opinions expressed in it do not reflect in any way the position of USAID or the U.S. Government who are not responsible for the content expressed in this document.

Insecurity Insight. 2025. Education in Danger Monthly News Brief, December 2025. Switzerland: Insecurity Insight. bit.ly/Dec2024Edu

(1) Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) database attribution policy. Accessed 18 January 2025.