At least 70 journalists died on the job in 2013.
That’s according to the non-profit Committee to Protect Journalists. It’s the third-highest death toll since the organization began tracking journalists' deaths in 1992.
Of the 70 who died, 44 percent were singled out for murder, 36 percent were caught in combat or crossfire, and the rest died while covering a dangerous assignment.
Two-thirds of those deaths were in the Middle East — a region the group’s deputy director described as a “killing field for journalists.” (Via Euronews)
The ongoing civil war in Syria and the increase in sectarian violence in neighboring Iraq have made for especially dangerous conditions for journalists. (Via CBS)
And in Egypt — six journalists died — half of whom were on assignment covering the clashes that followed the overthrow of Mohammed Morsi this summer. (Via ITN)
Conditions there have grown more hostile for journalists. Most recently, Egyptian security forces arrested four men working for Al Jazeera over alleged ties to the Muslim Brotherhood.
And in Syria, journalists face the growing risk of kidnapping. NBC correspondent Richard Engel and his crew made headlines a year ago when they returned to the U.S. after being held captive for five days. (Via NBC)
The Committee to Protect Journalists says in 2013 alone, 60 journalists were kidnapped in Syria — half of whom are still missing. (Via RT)
The organization says for the first time in a decade, this year no journalists were killed for their work in Mexico.
