As the battle against President Bashar al-Assad has attracted more extremist groups into Syria, the country now becomes one of the most dangerous places for journalists. Abductions have increased sharply this year. Western journalists think twice before covering the war, and Syrian fixers have to spend more time on finding abducted journalists instead of helping them report. 

Dutch war reporter Bud Wichers, 35, admits that the risks of abduction have significantly increased, but when a Dutch media agency asked him to cover the conflict in Syria, he decided to go, he told Al-Monitor on Aug. 12 from Syria. For his own safety, he keeps his exact location to himself, after taking extra measures to guarantee his safety. 

“As a war journalist, it is my duty to report stories from Syria, but I try to limit the risks as much as I can. First, you really need to have good connections before you enter the country. Second, make sure you have enough money to hire a good fixer. And third, try to find a fixer who protects you like you are his brother or sister. Someone who does everything to get you out when you are abducted.’’ 

The New York Times reported on Aug. 9 that foreign journalists are particular targets, mostly Europeans who have ventured into Syria, usually without the permission of the Syrian government. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, a New York-based advocacy group, there are at least 14 cases of local and international journalists who are missing or have been abducted this year, but the estimated number is believed to be significantly higher, the New York Times writer said.