Richard Engel Kidnapped, Who is Richard Engel? What Languages Does Richard Engel Speak? When and Where was Richard Engel Kidnapped?
by Alaguvelan M
Updated Oct 17, 2023
Richard Engel Kidnapped
Richard Engel was kidnapped on December 13, 2012, while reporting on the Syrian Civil War. He and his five-member crew were taken hostage near the Bab al-Hawa Border Crossing when crossing into Syria.
They were detained in the vicinity of Ma'arrat Misrin in northern Idlib. Five days later, the six journalists managed to escape during a firefight at a checkpoint of Islamist Ahrar ash-Sham.
The case was controversial, as, upon their release, Engel and his crew blamed a Shiite Shabiha group of Assad loyalists for the abduction. However, some experts have questioned this claim, arguing that the kidnappers were more likely to be Islamist rebels.
Regardless of who kidnapped them, Engel and his crew had a harrowing experience. They were blindfolded and bound, and they were constantly threatened with death. They were also forced to record a video in which Engel was made to call for an end to U.S. involvement in Syria.
Engel has said that his experience in captivity changed him forever. He has written a book about his ordeal, and he has become a vocal advocate for journalists who are working in dangerous war zones.
Engel's kidnapping is a reminder of the dangers that journalists face when reporting on conflict. It is also a reminder of the importance of press freedom and the right to report the truth.
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Who is Richard Engel?
Richard Engel is a well-known American journalist and author who holds the position of chief foreign correspondent at NBC News. He has spent more than 20 years reporting on significant global events, including conflicts like the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, the Arab Spring, and the Syrian Civil War. Engel's dedication to in-depth reporting often leads him to dangerous locations in his pursuit of news stories.
Originally from New York City, Engel earned a degree in international relations from Stanford University. He started his journalism career in the Middle East, covering events such as the Kosovo war and the fall of the Taliban in Afghanistan. In 2003, he joined NBC News, and in 2008, he was appointed as the chief foreign correspondent.
Engel has been recognized with numerous awards for his journalism, including the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award, the Peabody Award, and the Emmy Award. He is also a prolific author, having written three books that offer insights into his experiences in the field.
Despite his professional success, Engel has faced personal tragedy, as he shared the heartbreaking news of his eldest son Henry's passing in August 2022. Richard Engel's career in international journalism and his fearless reporting from conflict zones have solidified his status as a prominent figure in the field.
Name
Richard Engel
Birth Date
September 16, 1973
Birth Place
New York City, U.S.
Education
Stanford University (BA)
Occupation
Television journalist
Title
Chief foreign correspondent for NBC News (2008–present)
What Languages Does Richard Engel Speak?
Richard Engel speaks fluent Arabic, Italian, and Spanish. He has also studied French and Russian. His fluency in Arabic has been particularly valuable in his coverage of the Middle East. He has been able to interview people from all walks of life and get insights that would not be possible for journalists who do not speak the language.
Engel's multilingualism is a testament to his dedication to his craft. He is always looking for ways to improve his reporting and to get the best possible stories. His fluency in multiple languages is a valuable asset that allows him to connect with people on a deeper level and bring their stories to the world.
When and Where was Richard Engel Kidnapped?
In December 2012, Richard Engel and his team, while covering the Syrian Civil War, experienced a harrowing ordeal. Near the Bab al-Hawa Border Crossing in northern Syria, as they were entering from Turkey, they fell into the hands of armed assailants. These kidnappers bound and blindfolded the journalists, taking them to an undisclosed location.
For five distressing days, they lived in captivity, enduring threats of death and coercion to create a video where Engel was compelled to advocate for the end of U.S. involvement in Syria.
Their ordeal ended on December 18, 2012, when they managed to escape during a firefight at an Islamist Ahrar ash-Sham checkpoint. Syrian rebels came to their rescue, and they found safety in Turkey.
This incident served as a stark reminder of the risks journalists face when reporting on conflicts and underscored the fundamental importance of press freedom and the right to uncover and share the truth.
Richard Engel Age
Richard Engel was born on September 16, 1973, so he is currently 50 years old. Engel has been a journalist for over 20 years, and he is one of the most respected foreign correspondents in the world. He has covered major world events for NBC News, including the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Arab Spring, and the Syrian Civil War.
Richard Engel Nationality
Richard Engel is an American journalist. He was born in New York City, New York, on September 16, 1973. Engel is known for his in-depth reporting and his willingness to go into dangerous places to get the story.
He is also a gifted writer and storyteller. His book "And Then All Hell Broke Loose: Two Decades in the Middle East" is a gripping account of his experiences as a foreign correspondent.
Engel is an inspiration to journalists around the world. He is a reminder that it is important to tell the truth, even in the most difficult circumstances.
Is Richard Engel Married?
Richard Engel married Mary Forrest in May 2015. They have two sons together: Henry, born in September 2015, and Theodore, born in August 2019. Henry was born with Rett syndrome, a rare genetic neurological disorder that is extremely rare in males. Henry died in August 2022 at the age of 6.
Mary Forrest is a journalist and editor. She has worked for NBC News, The Washington Post, and The New York Times. She is currently a senior editor at The Atlantic. Engel and Forrest met in 2013 while working on a story about the Syrian Civil War. They began dating in 2014 and married a year later.
Richard Engel Career
Richard Engel began his journalism career as a freelance journalist, covering the Middle East for news outlets like ABC News, CNN, and Reuters. His significant breakthrough came during the Iraq War, where he embedded with U.S. troops, providing viewers with a first-hand look at the conflict's impact.
His acclaim continued during the Arab Spring uprisings in 2011. Engel reported from the frontlines in countries like Egypt, Libya, and Syria, documenting the upheaval and violence. As NBC News' chief foreign correspondent, he tackled a range of global issues, including terrorism, refugee crises, human rights abuses, and geopolitics.
Engel's unique focus is on amplifying the voices of those affected by conflicts. He brings the stories of ordinary people to the forefront, offering a human perspective on world events. Beyond television, he has contributed to print publications like The New Yorker and The Atlantic and appeared as a commentator on various news programs.
Throughout his career, Engel has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to accurate and unbiased reporting. His in-depth analysis, thoughtful commentary, and willingness to cover dangerous situations have earned him respect in the field of journalism.
His work has deepened our understanding of global events and their impact on local communities, solidifying his status as one of the most esteemed foreign correspondents in the industry.
Richard Engel Kidnapped - FAQs
The kidnapping of Richard Engel took place on December 13, 2012.
Richard Engel and his crew were kidnapped near the Bab al-Hawa Border Crossing in northern Syria.
They were reporting on the Syrian Civil War when they were abducted.
They were held captive for five days.
They escaped during a firefight at a checkpoint of Islamist Ahrar ash-Sham on December 18, 2012.