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Turkish journalists detained in Israel while reporting on missile strikes

An Israeli security officer reaches toward the camera as a CNN TURK correspondent reports live from central Tel Aviv. (Photo via CNN TURK)
March 03, 2026 01:53 PM GMT+03:00

Israeli security forces detained a CNN TURK reporting team during a live broadcast from Tel Aviv, intervening as the crew was covering heightened tensions following an Iranian missile strike on the city.

Correspondent Emrah Cakmak and cameraman Halil Kahraman were taken into custody while reporting from outside Israel’s Ministry of Defense, a key government building in central Tel Aviv. The live connection was abruptly cut off as security personnel approached the team and halted the broadcast.

The CNN TURK reporter shows a mobile screen displaying missile alerts moments before security forces intervene in Tel Aviv. (Photo via CNN TURK)
The CNN TURK reporter shows a mobile screen displaying missile alerts moments before security forces intervene in Tel Aviv. (Photo via CNN TURK)

Live coverage interrupted amid post-strike tensions

The incident took place shortly after Iran launched a missile attack targeting Tel Aviv, escalating regional tensions. As the situation unfolded, the CNN TURK team went live from the area near the Defense Ministry to report on developments on the ground.

During the broadcast, the crew was describing the immediate aftermath of the strike, including scenes of civilians moving toward shelters and later emerging from them once the danger appeared to subside. At that moment, security forces stepped in and stopped the transmission.

The connection dropped while the correspondent was addressing restrictions on media activity in Israel, particularly the challenges that foreign press members at times face while reporting from sensitive locations.

A security officer moves in and appears to grab the journalist’s phone during a live broadcast near Israel’s Defense Ministry. (Photo via CNN TURK)
A security officer moves in and appears to grab the journalist’s phone during a live broadcast near Israel’s Defense Ministry. (Photo via CNN TURK)

Intervention outside ministry of defense

The broadcast was being carried out directly in front of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, which is considered a high-security site.

According to the information provided, security units approached the journalists during the live segment and intervened, effectively shutting down the feed.

The timing of the interruption drew attention, as it came immediately after remarks referring to media limitations and previous instances in which foreign journalists had encountered similar measures.

The crew had been relaying updates about the missile strike and its impact on daily life in Tel Aviv when the intervention occurred. No further details were given about the duration of the detention or subsequent procedures.

TWEET

Türkiye Communications Director Burhanettin Duran says Ankara has launched diplomatic efforts after a CNN TURK reporter and cameraman were detained in Israel, calling it “another attack on the press.

March 03, 2026 01:53 PM GMT+03:00
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