Syria War News Updates -- November 9, 2015

The Syrian civil war is a toxic catastrophe in the making: https://t.co/X5iiyNzMOR pic.twitter.com/fyn1xKtVMl

— VICE News (@vicenews) November 5, 2015

VICE News: The Syrian Civil War Is a Toxic Catastrophe in the Making

The Syrian civil war's colossal destruction of infrastructure and years' worth of spent ammunition and discarded weaponry will likely leave a lasting and dangerous environmental legacy in the country, which could sicken its citizens for years to come, according to new research.

In a report released Wednesday, the Dutch non-profit PAX said the conflict will in all probability "have a disastrous impact on the environment and public health," but cautioned that determining its ultimate toll will require a concerted effort to track the devastation.

The report's author, Wim Zwijnenburg, compiled data remotely, using satellite imagery and existing reports from the United Nation and social media. The majority of the country's housing stock, he said, has been destroyed, leaving ruble that could be contaminated with hazardous substances including heavy metals and asbestos, in addition to what is left of the explosives and munitions that obliterated them.

Syria War News Updates -- November 9, 2015

Russia says flew 137 sorties, hit 448 targets in Syria in last three days -- Reuters
Combat report: Russian Air Force destroys 448 terrorist facilities in Syria over 3 days -- RT
Russian forces destroy 448 terrorist facilities in Syria over 3 days — Defense Ministry -- TASS
Russian Fighter Jets Destroy 448 ISIL Targets in Syria -- Sputnik
Russia’s air force in Syria cuts intensity of sorties to make more reconnaissance flights -- TASS
The moment a Russian airstrike hit a hospital clinic in Syria – video -- The Guardian
Russian involvement in Syria brings about another siege for Aleppo -- Al-Monitor
U.N. confirms use of mustard, chlorine gas in Syrian civil war -- UPI
Further 'proof' Russian soldiers are now on the ground in Syria as US planes intensify airstrikes against ISIS with 56 attacks in eight days -- Daily Mail
U.S., allies conduct 24 strikes against Islamic State -U.S. military. -- Reuters
US role in Syria brings push for Congress vote on new war powers -- AP
French strike hits IS oil facility in Syria -- AFP
France's Airstrike Targets an Oil Center in Syria -- AP
US-Backed Forces in Syria Accused of Human Rights Violations -- Max J. Rosenthal, Mother Jones
IRGC death toll in Syria surpasses 40 -- Trend
Iran plans to attend next round of Syria peace talks -- Reuters
China to Participate in Expanded Ministerial Meeting on Syria Nov. 14 -- Sputnik
Russian foreign minister warns Syria peace talks mustn't focus squarely on Assad's departure -- FOX News/AP
Jordan denies cooperation with Russia in Syria shows shift in allegiance -- Middle East Eye
Russia Fears Islamic Terror Blowback Over Syria After Sinai -- Bloomberg
Putin Proud of Syrian Actions -- US News and World Report
Turkey: 400,000 Syrian Children Not in School -- Human Rights Watch
Top UN Official Calls for Helping Syria Refugees Make Living -- AP
Activists Race to Save Syria's Cultural History -- VOA