Sky News Arabia crew reported missing in Syria

The Abu Dhabi-based broadcaster has said that a reporter, cameraman and a driver went missing while on assignment in Aleppo, northern Syria on Tuesday.

Sky News Arabia reporter Ishak Moctar, left, and cameraman Samir Kassab, have been reported missing while on assignment in Aleppo, northern Syria. Courtesy Sky News Arabia

ABU DHABI // A news crew from Sky News Arabia, based in Abu Dhabi, has been reported missing in Syria.

Mauritian reporter Ishak Moctar, Lebanese cameraman Samir Kassab and a Syrian driver whose name has not been disclosed went missing while on assignment near Aleppo, in the country’s north, on Tuesday morning.

Sky News Arabia has called on all concerned parties to assist with the trio’s safe return and said it “considers the safety of its crew members of paramount importance”.

“We will continue to make every effort to contact them and to ensure their safe return so they can continue their vital work,” news director Nart Bouran told Reuters.

Mr Bouran said Sky News Arabia had contacted the families of the men and was keeping them informed of any developments.

“The missing colleagues are among the best talents at the channel,” he said on the station’s website.

“They adhere to the code of professional ethics and standards, and were on an assignment that focused mainly on covering the humanitarian aspects of the conflict in Syria, in an objective and professional way without siding with any party.”

At least 16 foreign journalists are missing in Syria, says Reporters Without Borders, an international group that fights for freedom of information and the rights of journalists.

Since the conflict began in March 2011 about 25 professional journalists are reported to have been killed, along with 70 citizen journalists.

They included reporters working with the Syrian regime and the rebel forces.