The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) condemned the killings of journalists Gulistan Tara and Hero Bahadin, killed on 23 August.

The journalists were traveling by car in the Said Sadiq district of Sulaymaniyah Province, northern Iraq, when a suspected Turkish drone hit their vehicle. The drone strike also injured journalist Rêbîn Bekir and killed six others as they traveled on the road connecting Sulaymaniyah city and Said Sadiq district whilst on a reporting assignment.

The NUJ joined the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) in urging the authorities of Turkey and Iraq to launch an immediate investigation, ensuring that the perpetrators responsible are held accountable. The drone attack is not the first targeting journalists in the Kurdistan region, and has been described by Anthony Bellanger, IFJ general secretary, as reflecting "the extreme dangers faced by journalists working in conflict zones and highlights the urgent need for immediate measures to ensure their safety and hold those responsible for these crimes accountable."

On 8 July, a Çira TV media crew was bombed in a drone attack in Sinjar, northern Iraq, resulting in serious injuries to journalist Murad Mirza Ibrahim, who died of his injuries three days later. Journalist Mydia Hussen was injured in the same attack.

The NUJ and IFJ affiliate Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate, call on authorities to ensure a thorough investigation into the women journalists’ deaths. Journalists must be able to report safely and the NUJ urges both Iraqi and Turkish authorities to ensure their protection.

Bellanger added, "It is hoped that this tragic incident will increase international awareness of the risks that journalists face and lead to efforts to provide them with the necessary protection."