An American journalist based in Syria has claimed that he is being targeted for assassination.
Bilal Abdul Kareem, who has reported from Syria since the uprising against Bashar al Assad began in 2011, said he, his staff, and offices in Aleppo were seemingly targeted on Wednesday for the fourth time this month, resulting in the deaths of a 10 year old girl, her mother, and an elderly man.
This came after what he called “a targeted drone attack” on his staff on Sunday. He called the targeting of journalists “a war crime.”
He said: “The car was totally destroyed and there was shrapnel everywhere. I was just glad my team were okay and nobody was dead. It was only Allah that made me wear the bulletproof vest that day, as usually it’s hot and I don’t wear it.
“People ask whether I am connected to any particular group. It’s natural, unfortunately, that people want to place everyone in categories. I report on all the groups here in Syria, including those who want Islamic solutions. They are the major force in these Syrian territories. To not report on them would be clear bias in itself.
“I don’t care if you like Nusra, Assad or Obama. I only bring you the news so you can make an informed decision. I don’t see a lot of other journalists around. I plan to continue doing the work we are doing. I’m not going to roll over and play dead for anybody.”
Abdul Kareem is a pro-rebel journalist whose interviews with rebel fighters have been widely aired on YouTube and have been used and accredited by CNN, BBC, ITV and Channel 4 News.
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Advocacy group CAGE said countries using targeted assassinations in Syria must immediately halt their actions, come clean and identify themselves.
Moazzam Begg, Outreach Director, said: “We do not know at this stage which country is responsible for the drone attack, but it is believed that Russia, Iran, the UK and the US have been operating UAVs in the region. The fact remains that the United States has set an example of impunity when it comes to drone strikes, and other countries are following suit. Targeting journalists in this way is a war crime.
“Bilal is one of the only accredited journalists in Syria reporting in English on the ground. His material has been widely used by mainstream media and he has become a powerful voice for the voiceless in the Syrian war.”
