The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has condemned the brutal murder of Iraqi journalist Yasser Faisal al Jumaily in northern Syria, near the border with Turkey, on Wednesday, 4 December.

Although the full circumstances of the incident are unknown, according to reports freelance journalist and cameraman Faisal, who was a member of the IJS, was kidnapped by an al Qaida linked terrorist group in the Idlib region who then executed him. He had spent ten days in northern Syria where he was carrying out an investigative report for Spanish media.

"We express our deepest sympathies for the loved ones and colleagues ofYasser Faisal al Jumaily who leaves behind three children," said IFJ President Jim President. "We call on all warring factions in Syria to uphold their international obligations and to ensure the protection  and of international and local journalists reporting on the conflict."

Faisal is the seventh journalist murdered in Syria this year, while a high number of media workers have also been abducted in the country in recent months.  Since the country's uprising in March 2011, it has become the most dangerous in the world for journalists, with at least 40 media workers killed since the Syrian conflict began.

The Iraqi Journalists Syndicate (IJS) has condemned the "heinous murder" and demanded that the perpetrators are brought to justice. It has also urged all relevant authorities in Syria, Turkey and Iraq to cooperate with the union to bring Faisal's body back to his family.

"The Syrian conflict continues to inflict heavy losses on the journalist community and, sadly, the death of Yasser Faisal al Jumaily is unlikely to be the last," said IFJ General Secretary Beth Costa . "But those who deliberately targeted this journalist must be under no illusion. They will answer for their actions and face the full weight of justice. " For more information, please contact IFJ on + 32 2 235 22 17The IFJ represents more than 600 000 journalists in 134 countries