US President Barack Obama was saddened to learn the killing of two journalists in Libya, his chief spokesman Jay Carney today said and asked the Muammar Gaddafi regime to take steps to ensure the safety of media persons engaged in vital works.
"The Libyan government and all governments across the world must take steps to protect journalists doing this vital work. The United States will work to do everything possible to assist those who were injured in getting the care they need," Carney said in a statement.
"Journalists across the globe risk their lives each day to keep us informed, demand accountability from world leaders, and give a voice to those who would not otherwise be heard," he said.
Oscar-nominated British film director and war photographer Tim Hetherington and award-winning US photographer Chris Hondros were killed and two other Western journalists wounded in the besieged Libyan city of Misrata.
Carney said the US is deeply concerned about the well being of other journalists who were wounded in the Libyan conflict.
"Chris's tragic death underscores the need to protect journalists as they cover conflicts across the globe. Our thoughts are with Chris's family and loved ones," he said.