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The Syrian Photographers Union, based near the Tishreen Dam in northeastern Syria, has strongly condemned recent Turkish military actions targeting journalists and civilians in the region. In a statement issued on February 3, 2025, the union highlighted the importance of art and journalism in conveying the suffering, culture, heritage, and spirit of people throughout history. The union called for international pressure on Turkey to cease these attacks and to allow for the organization of art festivals instead of destruction.
Over the past three months, Turkish drone strikes have resulted in the deaths of three journalists and injuries to eight others near the Tishreen Dam while they were covering events in the area. The Free Media Union reported that these attacks have led to the deaths of three journalists and injuries to eight others between December 2024 and February 2025.
In response to these attacks, a group of journalists and rights activists staged a sit-in in Qamishli, northeastern Syria, on February 18, 2025. The protest followed the death of journalist Agid Roj, who was killed on February 15 by Turkish shelling near the Tishrin Dam. Protesters denounced the systematic targeting of journalists in northeastern Syria, condemning these attacks as “war crimes,” and urged the United Nations to take decisive action against such violations.
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have also condemned these attacks, emphasizing that targeting journalists violates all laws and conventions protecting them. They have called on international organizations concerned with journalists’ protection to expose Turkish violations and to hold those responsible accountable.
These developments underscore the ongoing risks faced by journalists in conflict zones and the urgent need for international intervention to protect press freedom and ensure the safety of media workers in Syria.