Journalist and Father Wounded in Armed Assault at Home in Latakia

October 06, 2025 – Syria – 

In a harrowing incident in Syria’s Latakia province, journalist Batoul Ali and her father, Samir Ali, were seriously wounded when unidentified gunmen stormed their residence in Damserkho village on the northern ring road of Latakia City.

According to reports from Hawar News, the attackers arrived in four vehicles, gained entry, and opened fire on the journalist and her father before fleeing the scene. Both victims were rushed to Al-Sayyeda Hospital, where they underwent emergency surgeries.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) corroborated the attack, noting that after the gunmen fled, security patrols responded and the wounded were transported to a hospital in Latakia. The SOHR further reported that Batoul Ali’s condition had stabilized following treatment.

As of now, no individual or group has claimed responsibility. The Ministry of Interior of the Syrian transitional government has remained silent, not stating the assault.

This attack underscores ongoing dangers faced by media practitioners in Syria’s security-volatile regions. Journalists continue to be vulnerable to threats, intimidation, and violent targeting, especially when covering contested or sensitive areas.

Batoul Ali, working in broadcasting, and her father now confront both physical recovery and a climate of fear. Their home turned into a battleground—an act likely meant to intimidate, silence, or punish reporting efforts. Media rights groups and observers may demand transparent investigations and accountability.

In the broader Syrian context, assaults on journalists are not isolated. The Committee to Protect Journalists and other advocacy bodies frequently record incidents of obstruction, harassment, or violence against media personnel operating in conflict zones. This recent episode in Latakia adds once more to the perilous tapestry that Syrian journalism is forced to navigate.

The attack on Batoul Ali’s home is a stark reminder that freedom of information in conflict regions often comes at great personal risk—and that protecting journalists must remain a critical priority in any recovery or transitional governance plan.

Reference –

https://hawarnews.com/en/journalist-her-father-injured-in-armed-attack-in-latakia

https://www.syriahr.com/en/371095/