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December 24, 2025 – Syria/USA –
Syrian security forces have arrested prominent American journalist Bilal Abdul Kareem, sparking concern among press freedom advocates and observers of the country’s evolving political landscape. Kareem, a U.S. citizen and war correspondent who has lived in northern Syria since 2012, was taken into custody on 22 December 2025 in the city of Al-Bab in Aleppo province shortly after finishing noon prayers near Al-Fateh Mosque. Authorities have provided no public explanation for his arrest or disclosed his current location.
Kareem is widely known for his work reporting on conflicts in Syria, including coverage of the civil war and political transitions following the fall of the Assad regime. He has built a significant online presence as an independent journalist and commentator, operating the On the Ground News outlet and producing content for international audiences. Critics have described his commentary as supportive of Islamist perspectives and critical of both Syrian governmental policies and foreign interventions, positions that have at times aligned him with factions opposed to central authorities. His latest public statements included criticism of Syria’s decision to partner with the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State, remarks that preceded his detention.
The arrest represents a shift in Syria’s treatment of foreign media figures living in the country, where security forces have increasingly restricted space for dissenting voices since the establishment of a new governing authority following the collapse of the Assad regime. Reuters reporting notes that Kareem’s detention comes amid broader efforts by the current administration to limit expression perceived as critical of its policies, particularly regarding international alliances and counter-insurgency operations. Syrian officials and representatives of the U.S. special envoy to Syria have not responded to requests for comment.
Kareem’s history in Syria includes a previous high-profile detention by the militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) in 2020, when he and his driver were held for several months before release; that episode underscored the risks faced by journalists operating in war-torn environments.
Information about Kareem’s condition or legal status remains limited, and family members, colleagues, and press freedom groups are advocating for clarity on the reasons for his arrest and assurances of his safety. The case highlights ongoing dangers and uncertainties confronting journalists in conflict zones and politically volatile contexts, where reporting and political expression can lead to detention without transparent legal processes.
Reference –
Journalist Bilal Abdul Kareem arrested by Syrian security forces
https://www.aymennaltamimi.com/p/the-arrest-of-bilal-abdul-kareem
