Iran's Media Basij Organization Reports 11 Journalists Killed in Strikes
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TEHRAN (AP) — At least 11 journalists and media activists were killed in Israeli strikes targeting Iran and Lebanon, Iran's Media Basij Organization announced Sunday.
The organization, a paramilitary media arm of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, released a statement late Sunday confirming the deaths following a series of coordinated attacks across the region. The strikes, attributed to the United States and Israel, targeted infrastructure and personnel in both countries.
The Media Basij Organization did not immediately release the names of the deceased or specify the locations of the attacks within Iran and Lebanon. The announcement came as regional tensions escalated following days of heightened military activity.
Israeli and U.S. officials have not publicly commented on the specific casualties among media personnel. The strikes were part of a broader military operation that began earlier in the week, with reports of missile launches and air raids targeting government and military sites.
The Media Basij Organization stated that the journalists were killed while covering the conflict or working at media facilities that were struck. The group described the attacks as a deliberate targeting of press freedom and information dissemination in the region.
Lebanese officials have not yet confirmed the number of media casualties within their borders. The country has been a focal point of the conflict, with reports of strikes on communication towers and news offices in Beirut and surrounding areas.
The international press community has expressed concern over the safety of journalists in the region. The Committee to Protect Journalists and other advocacy groups have called for an immediate investigation into the circumstances of the deaths.
The Media Basij Organization vowed to continue its work despite the losses, stating that the attacks would not silence the Iranian media. The group has been a key voice in disseminating state-sanctioned news and analysis during the conflict.
As of Sunday evening, the full scope of the casualties and the extent of the damage to media infrastructure remains unclear. The situation continues to develop, with both sides maintaining a high state of military readiness.
The United Nations has called for restraint and the protection of civilians, including journalists, in the ongoing conflict. The organization has urged all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law.
The strikes have raised questions about the targeting of media personnel and the potential impact on the flow of information from the region. The international community is watching closely as the situation unfolds.