IFJ condemns killing of third Syrian journalist

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has today condemned the killing of Syrian journalist Thaer al-Ajlani while covering fighting between the Syrian army and rebels in Jobar, east of the capital, Damascus. The reporter who worked for two pro-government media, Sham FM Radio and the daily Al Watan, was killed on July 27 while covering clashes between the army and rebel forces in Jobar neighborhood on the eastern outskirts of Damascus. Sham FM said in a statement that al-Ajlani was wounded by a shrapnel from a mortar shell fired by rebel forces and died of his wounds. According to reports, Jobar is mainly controlled by rebel forces and by Al Quaida’s wing in Syria, Nusra front but is surrounded by Government forces. “ We express our deep condolence to Thaer al-Ajlani’s family and friends for his death and urge media organisations operating in Syria to provide their staff with adequate training and protection when on assignments,” said IFJ President Jim Boumelha. According to IFJ statistics, Thaer al-Ajlani is the third journalist killed in the course of his duty in Syria in 2015.