Syria: Turkish Drone Strike Kills Kurdish Journalists Jihan Belki and Nazim Dashdam
December 19, 2024 - Syria, Kobani
Women Press Freedom is outraged by the Turkish drone strike that killed journalists Jihan Belki and Nazim Dashdam near the Tishrin Dam, on the outskirts of Kobani. They were reporting on attacks on the dam when, according to local human rights groups, their vehicle was "directly" targeted. Their driver was also injured in the strike.
This tragedy comes amid escalating Turkish attacks in northern and eastern Syria. Jihan Belki is the third woman journalist killed by a Turkish drone strike this year, following the deaths of Gulistan Tara and Hêro Bahadîn in Iraq in August.
We strongly condemn this attack and demand an immediate, independent investigation to determine if these journalists were deliberately hit. Purposefully targeting the press in a conflict zone constitutes a war crime. Türkiye must be held accountable for the growing number of Kurdish journalists killed and injured by its drone strikes.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of Jihan and Nazim.
WPF is outraged by the Turkish drone strike that killed journalists Jihan Belki and Nazim Dashdam near the Tishrin Dam, on the outskirts of Kobani. They were reporting on attacks on the dam when, according to local human rights groups, their vehicle was "directly" targeted.
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