Two journalists, Nazım Daştan and Cihan Bilgin, were killed Dec. 19 in a drone strike in northern Syria. The pair, who were affiliated with the Free Press tradition, were reportedly traveling to the Tishreen Dam area when their vehicle was targeted. The incident has drawn sharp criticism and renewed calls to protect journalists in conflict zones.
The Dicle Fırat Journalists' Association condemned the killings, describing them as a targeted attack on press freedom. “We demand an outcry against these attacks on freedom of the press,” the association said, urging the international community to address violence against journalists.
Both journalists had long histories of reporting on regional conflicts and human rights issues. Bilgin began her career in Diyarbakır, later working for the Hawar News Agency and focusing on women’s struggles in the region. Daştan, a graduate of Antep University, covered significant events, including violations during curfews in Şırnak and border developments during the ISIS siege of Kobanê.
The Dicle Fırat Journalists' Association said the deaths of Daştan and Bilgin underscore the risks journalists face while documenting critical issues in conflict zones. The group called on international organizations to press for accountability and ensure the protection of journalists worldwide.
