CNN reporter arrested live on air as broadcast dramatically cuts off in Israel [View all]

04:30 ET, Thu, Mar 5, 2026 Updated: 13:22 ET, Thu, Mar 5, 2026

CNN correspondent Emrah Çakmak and cameraman Halil Kahraman were detained by Israeli security personnel whilst reporting outside Israel's Ministry of Defense. The CNN Turk crew was broadcasting live from Tel Aviv, documenting the aftermath of an Iranian missile attack on the city.

In widely circulated footage from the broadcast, Çakmak narrates the immediate consequences of the strike, displaying a phone image of residents heading toward shelters and subsequently exiting once the threat subsided.

He was wearing a CNN vest and carrying a branded microphone, clearly identifying himself as working for the international news network. However, their report was interrupted by two individuals in military attire. Whilst their faces aren't visible in the footage, they placed their hand over the camera, and the feed abruptly cut out. It was subsequently reported that both journalists were brought in for interrogation and their equipment was seized.

The incident involving Çakmak occurred shortly after Iran conducted a missile strike targeting Tel Aviv, heightening regional tensions. As events developed, the CNN TURK crew went live from the vicinity of the Defence Ministry to cover unfolding developments, Turkiye Today reported.

Snip

https://www.the-express.com/entertainment/tv/201116/cnn-reporter-arrested-live-air-israeli-forces-broadcast-cut-off