Japanese journalist killed in Syria

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A Japanese journalist has been killed while covering clashes in the northern Syrian province of Aleppo. 45-year-old Mika Yamamoto was reportedly hit by gunfire while she and a colleague were travelling with the rebel Free Syrian Army. On Tuesday, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary spoke about the tragedy.

Osamu Fujimura, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary, said, "It is extremely regrettable that a Japanese journalist was killed in gunfire, and we strongly condemn such acts. At the same time we express deep condolences to the bereaved family."

Mika Yamamoto was a veteran war correspondent with The Japan Press, an independent TV news provider that specializes in conflict zone coverage. She covered the war in Afghanistan after 2001 and the 2003 US invasion of Iraq from Baghdad as a special correspondent for NTV. Her body has been transferred to Turkey, where Japanese consular officials were providing assistance.

Mika Yamamoto