NEWS RELEASEHEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES CENTRAL COMMAND 7115 South Boundary Boulevard MacDill AFB, Fla. 33621-5101 Phone: (813) 827-5894; FAX: (813) 827-2211; DSN 651-5894 |
April 8, 2003
Release Number: 03-04-85
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
UPDATE ON JOURNALISTS CAUGHT IN CROSSFIRE
CAMP AS SAYLIYAH, Qatar - U.S. Central Command has received further clarification on two incidents of journalists being harmed during combat operations in Baghdad today.
The first incident involved reporters from Al Jazeera. According to commanders on the ground, Coalition forces came under significant enemy fire from the building where the Al Jazeera journalists were working and, consistent with the inherent right of self-defense, Coalition forces returned fire. Sadly, an Al Jazeera correspondent was killed in this exchange.
In the second incident, commanders on the ground reported that Coalition forces received significant enemy fire from the Palestine Hotel in Baghdad and, consistent with their inherent right of self defense, Coalition forces returned fire. Sadly, a Reuters and a Tele 5 (Spain) journalist were killed in this exchange.
Unfortunately, both of these buildings were being used by journalists reporting on the war.
These tragic incidents appear to be the latest example of the Iraqi regime's continued strategy of using civilian facilities for regime military purposes. The Coalition regrets the loss of innocent life and will continue its efforts to protect the innocent from harm.
To date, at least two journalists embedded with Coalition forces have also died as a result of enemy fire. These events serve as a tragic reminder of just how dangerous life is on the battlefield.
Coalition forces target only legitimate military targets and go to great lengths to minimize civilian casualties and damage to civilian facilities.
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