Award-Winning Syrian Photojournalist Killed in Airstrike Near Hama

Anas Alkharboutli, a DPA photographer documenting the rebel offensive, died in an alleged Syrian government airstrike as battles escalate in northern Syria.

Anas Alkharboutli, a 32-year-old photographer for the German press agency DPA, was killed during an airstrike near Morek, north of Hama, while covering the rebel advance.
The airstrike targeted a group of journalists, with witnesses reporting that Alkharboutli lost both legs and died en route to the hospital.
The rebel coalition, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), recently captured Aleppo and is advancing toward Hama, threatening government-held areas near the Mediterranean coast.
The Syrian government, with Russian support, has launched airstrikes on rebel positions and opposition-held areas, including hospitals and civilian infrastructure, resulting in heavy casualties.
Alkharboutli, known for his poignant war photography, had received international recognition, including the Young Reporter Trophy in 2020 and a Sony World Photography Award in 2021.