Missing Turkish journalists held by Syrian forces
Mar 15, 2012, 3:24 PM
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) – Turkey’s deputy prime minister says two missing Turkish journalists are being held by Syrian forces and that his government is trying to get them released.
Bulent Arinc said Thursday the journalists are safe but in the hands of pro-government forces.
The journalists _ a writer for Milat newspaper and a freelance cameraman _ last called the paper on Saturday from the northern city of Idlib, a bastion of rebel support which the Syrian army took control of three days later.
Ali Adakoglu, managing editor of Milat, says the paper will work to bring writer Adem Ozkose and cameraman Hamit Coskun back home.
Turkey’s state-run Anadolu Agency, citing unidentified local sources, says the journalists were handed over to Syrian intelligence agents near the northern town of Binnis.
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