Visuals lead coverage of fast-moving conflict and aftermath in Syria

By Ghaith AlSayed, Omar Albam, Hogir al Abdo, Baderkhan Ahmad, Malak Harb, Salar Salim, Bassem Mroue, Kareem Chehayeb, Qassem Abdul-Zahra and Suzan Fraser

In a dramatic week for Syria, AP journalists across the region delivered comprehensive, on-the-ground coverage of a rapidly shifting conflict, led by outstanding visuals and exclusive reporting across formats.

After Syrian government forces launched an aggressive offensive, seizing most of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces’ territory, the AP team documented not only the frontline battles, but also the unraveling of a ceasefire, prison breaks, chaos at the al-Hol camp and the broader fallout in areas long aligned with the U.S. fight against the Islamic State.

Working under difficult and dangerous conditions, AP stringers and visual journalists captured exclusive and striking imagery, including residents of Raqqa tearing down a Kurdish fighter’s statue, video from inside al-Hol camp, and footage of SDF fighters preparing for combat. Staff in Beirut and Baghdad provided rapid video explainers and deep reporting that added clarity as the situation evolved.

The team was also first to report that the plan to transfer IS prisoners from Syria to Iraq was initiated by Baghdad — not Washington — and sourced exclusive details from Syrian and Iraqi officials on failed negotiations between the SDF and the Assad regime that contributed to the renewed violence.

Judges praised the extraordinary coordination, visuals, and exclusive information, all produced under extreme pressure in one of the world’s most difficult reporting environments.

For visuals that overcame multiple challenges and leaned into AP’s global footprint, Ghaith AlSayed, Omar Albam, Hogir al Abdo, Baderkhan Ahmad, Malak Harb, Salar Salim, Bassem Mroue, Kareem Chehayeb, Qassem Abdul-Zahra and Suzan Fraser win this week’s Best of AP — Second Winner.