Islamic State biggest threat to journalists: CPJ

Cairo, Aug 21 :

Following the beheading of US reporter James Foley, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has warned that the Islamic State (IS) Sunni extremist organisation operating in Syria and Iraq is one of the biggest threats to journalists.

In a statement, the CPJ stressed that the members of the Islamic State who murdered freelance US journalist Foley “use violence and intimidation to silence all independent reporting in the areas they control”.

The organisation expressed concern over the fate of journalists abducted by the jihadi organisation, including seven Syrians captured in the second half of 2013 in different areas of northern Syria.

The US announced Wednesday night that it had undertaken a failed mission earlier this summer to liberate US hostages captured by the IS, after US authorities confirmed the authenticity of the video that showed the IS beheading Foley, who was abducted in 2012.

The CPJ and Reporters Without Borders have issued warnings that Syria has become the most dangerous country for journalists.

The IS has said the fate of another kidnapped US journalist, Steven Sotloff, depends on the steps US President Barack Obama takes regarding the region, where US aircraft last week bombarded the extremists’ positions in Iraq.

-IANS/EFE