Iran Raps Int’l Silence over Attack on IRIB Reporter in Syria

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hossein Amir Abdollahian on Tuesday condemned the targeting of Islamic Republic of Iran’s Broadcasting (IRIB) correspondent in Syria by Takfiri (extremist) terrorists.

Amir Abdollahian further underscored the necessity for international bodies to support reporters working in crisis areas, and urged international bodies not to keep silent on the attack.

He also appreciated the efforts made by Iranian reporters, particularly the wounded IRIB correspondent Seyed Mohammad Hassan Hosseini, who report in crisis-hit and war-torn areas of Syria.

“At the order of the Foreign Minister (Mohammad Javad Zarif), from the moment the attack happened, Iran’s envoy to Damascus has been seriously pursuing necessary measures for the immediate treatment of IRIB reporter in Syria,” he added.

Meantime, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marziyeh Afkham also denounced the terrorist attacks and assaults on civilians, including reporters.

She also expressed the hope that Mr. Hosseini, who has been working at war fronts in Syria for a long time, would recover as soon as possible to resume his effective news career and solemn duty.

Hosseini, 45 years of age, was attacked on Monday afternoon by a mortar shell fired by Takfiri terrorists while covering an anti-terrorist operation by the Syrian army in Latakia heights.

The IRIB reporter was transferred to a local hospital immediately and admitted in ICU, where he could regain his consciousness. Doctors say he will be transferred to a hospital in Damascus if his conditions improve.

Syria has been gripped with civil war since March 2011 with Takfiri terrorists from various groups, including ISIL, currently controlling parts of it.

According to the United Nations, more than 220,000 people have been killed and one million wounded during the conflict.