Journalist injured in deadly military convoy blast in Afghanistan

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 6 December 2019

A roadside explosion in Helmand province seriously injured a reporter traveling with a military convoy. The Taliban targeted the convoy, resulting in civilian injuries and fatalities.

Summary

A roadside bomb in Helmand province in Afghanistan seriously injured a reporter travelling in a military convoy on 30 November, 2019.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate the Afghan Independent Journalists' Association (AIJA), have call for stronger security measures for journalists reporting in the field.

According to reports, Sardar Mohammad Sarwari, a reporter with Shamshad TV, sustained severe injuries to his head and leg in the blast when the Taliban attacked the convoy traveling from Lashkargah to Marjah in southern Helmand. He had been accompanying security forces on a military operation against the Taliban in the Marjah district, which has been under Taliban control for four years.

Sardar was one of three civilians injured in the attack. Two security officials were killed, including General Zahir Gul Muqbil. Sardar was admitted to the hospital and has undergone surgery.

AIJA called on Afghanistan authorities to expedite support for Sarwaris’ treatment, while also urging reporters to avoid traveling with military convoys to prevent such incidents.

The IFJ said: “We condemn this violent attack, which included civilian casualties. Afghanistan remains the word’s most deadly workplace for journalists and greater efforts need to be undertaken to train media and ensure their employers take every precaution when their staff go out into the field or are embedded or traveling with military.” — An IFJ media release