Journalists Wounded and Media Office Damaged Amid Syria’s Southern Violence

July 22, 2025 – Syria –

Several journalists were injured and a media office in Damascus was damaged following a surge of sectarian violence in Sweida and subsequent Israeli airstrikes, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The incidents occurred as clashes intensified between Druze tribesmen, Bedouin fighters and Syrian government forces, prompting CPJ to demand accountability for attacks on the press.

On July 15, Nadim al‑Nabulsi, a reporter for Ahrar Horan, sustained minor shrapnel injuries while covering an Israeli drone strike that hit a Syrian government-security vehicle near Sweida’s entrance. Freelance journalist Muhannad Abu Zaid was also hit, this time by sniper fire that struck his hand while he documented a convoy entering the city.

On July 16, an Israeli airstrike damaged the office of Al‑Hadath TV in Damascus. No injuries were reported, according to the network’s video feed. Then on July 19, four journalists, Ali Haj Suleiman of Getty Images, Bakr Alkasem of AFP, Hamza Abbas and Qusay Abdulbari of NoonPost, came under gunfire near Sweida’s Omran roundabout. They were forced to hide behind their vehicle as bullets, sniper fire and RPGs targeted them.

That same day, Karam Nachar, editor‑in‑chief of Al‑Jumhuriya, reported that armed men raided the home of a staff journalist in Sweida, stealing cash, a phone and a camera. The journalist has since reached safety in Damascus.

CPJ Middle East director Sara Qudah said the pattern of injuries, intimidation and office attacks shows a worrisome escalation that threatens press freedom. She urged Syrian and Israeli authorities to fully investigate these incidents and hold perpetrators to account.

The events in Sweida reflect wider risks to journalists working in Syria. CPJ data indicate that Syria has consistently been one of the most dangerous countries for reporters, with armed groups, government forces and foreign actors all posing serious threats to media safety.

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Journalists wounded, media office damaged in Syria violence