Syria: 27 journalists killed in three months

In the last three months at least 27 journalists were killed in Syria while dozens more have been injured or arrested, the Syrian Network for Human Rights [SNHR] reported over the weekend.

According to the report published by the SNHR, at least eight media workers were killed in September, 12 in October and seven in November highlighting the dangerous working environment they face. 

The majority of those killed had fielded reports from the side of Syrian opposition groups, but the report of the SNHR also included names of those killed while reporting for Syrian regime media outlets. 

"Since the presence of foreign media outlets is prevented by the Syrian government, local media activists and personnel play a key role in covering the news about the most important violations, arrests, killings and destruction" Fadel Abdul Ghany, the SNHR chairman said.  

The report further adds that journalists are caught in the circle of violence between the regime forces, IS fighters, armed opposition groups and the PYD Kurdish Forces. 

Recent Russian airstrikes have also led to the death of at least one media activist last month.  

"Activists risk their lives to report what is happening in Syria, however, they are met with oppression, killing, arrests and threats" the group said in its report.

They called upon the international community and the Security Council to protect journalists and media activists in Syria. 

More than 250,000 people have been killed since the Syrian civil war erupted in March 2011 with peaceful protests demanding reforms.

The escalating violence has forced over 4 million refugees out of their homeland, according to the UNHCR.   

The conflict has drawn in major global powers, including the US who has led intensified airstrikes across the country in a campaign against IS militants in Syria. 

Prospects of peace talks in Vienna have been preceded by a major meeting of the main opposition groups in Riyadh.