Reuters Journalist killed on Oct 13 was deliberately targeted in strikes by Israel, says RSF
Lebanon: In a recent revelation, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has claimed that a Reuters journalist, along with six other media workers, was deliberately targeted in strikes near the Israel-Lebanon border. The incident occurred during the coverage of the ongoing conflict between Israel’s military and the Lebanese group Hezbollah.
According to RSF's ballistic analysis, the shots were fired from the east, originating from the direction of the Israeli border.
The journalist identified as Issam Abdallah, 37, lost his life on October 13 in southern Lebanon during the attacks. RSF, known for advocating press freedom, has released a video reconstruction of the incident, describing it as a "tragedy" that resulted in the death of one journalist and injuries to several others.
Initial findings from the RSF investigation indicate that the journalists were not accidental victims. One of their vehicles, clearly marked as "press," was deliberately targeted. Witnesses confirmed that the group stationed next to the vehicle was comprised of journalists. The Israeli army, in response to allegations, expressed its regret over the incident and stated that they were "looking into it."
The RSF report highlighted that the strikes occurred within a remarkably short time frame of just over 30 seconds and from the same direction, indicating precise targeting. It is emphasized that the journalists were clearly identifiable as non-combatants. They were not hiding; instead, they had been in the open for over an hour on the top of a hill. They were equipped with helmets and bullet-proof waistcoats, both marked as "press." Additionally, their vehicle was also visibly labeled as "press," as confirmed by eyewitnesses.
This tragic incident follows previous apologies issued by Israeli officials for the death of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was believed to have been hit by an Israeli soldier’s bullet. Notably, Israel has chosen not to pursue charges against any individual regarding her demise.
The ongoing conflict has taken a toll on journalists, with at least 34 Palestinian journalists losing their lives in Israeli air attacks since the escalation of tensions initiated by Hamas's attacks on Israel on October 7.
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2 leopards captured in village near Bengaluru after fatal attack on woman
Bengaluru, Nov 26: A week after a 52-year-old woman was mauled to death by a leopard near Shivagange Hills in Nelamangala taluk, the Forest department has captured two leopards from Kambalu Gollarahatti village, officials said on Tuesday.
A seven-year-old male leopard was captured on Monday, followed by a nine-year-old female leopard on Tuesday from the same area, they said.
Blood and hair samples of the leopards have been collected and will be sent to the National Centre for Biological Sciences. DNA analysis will determine if either of the captured leopards was responsible for the fatal attack, a senior forest official said.
The victim, identified as Kariamma, was killed on November 17 while cutting grass in an agricultural field near her home. She was reportedly dragged into the forest by a leopard, which mauled her to death and consumed parts of her body.
In response, the Forest Department deployed large cages and installed eight pairs of camera traps around the area to track the leopards.
"Camera traps captured footprints of two male leopards and one female leopard. This enabled us to locate and capture the male and female leopards. Our teams are actively searching for the third male leopard whose footprints were recorded," the official added.
Efforts are ongoing to ensure the safety of residents and monitor wildlife in the region.
