I have worked in almost every war zone for the past 17 years, including five years in Iraq, three in Afghanistan, Somalia, Sudan, East Timor, Beirut and Haiti, but nothing compares to Syria.
When something goes wrong in Syria you are completely on your own. There is no police station, no friendly military, no embassy, nowhere is safe — you have got to rely on your own wits, judgment and experience.
When I went in for the first time I had to put my trust in the people I was with. Then I started building relationships with people, knowing who to trust, building up local knowledge.
I’m always looking for the indicators that something’s wrong. Violence doesn’t just happen: there are key indicators that can highlight the risk, be it previous air attacks or firefights between various groups.
I can only assume that David probably stayed too long in the refugee camp. I’d always try to move to another location after approximately 45 minutes, which prevents setting yourself up, but I understand that David worked for an aid agency, so most probably had to stay longer.
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Within IDP [internally displaced people] camps there are desperate people; I expect it was one of those who contacted a local criminal gang to plan and execute the kidnapping. Then he would have been sold on to Isis.
The best chance to attempt an escape is the first few minutes, during the confusion of the situation, but it’s going to be violent.
If I was on my own I would certainly attempt to escape but it’s a different situation with a client, their safety is paramount.
You know in the back of your mind that Isis is not going to negotiate. They don’t need the money or the political influence. They just enjoy terrorising. If you’re captured by Isis, try to gather as much information as possible. How many? What weapons? How disciplined are they? What is your location? Remain as calm as possible. Keep looking for an opportunity to escape or hope for a rescue, and attempt an escape only if you know that you are physically fit to conduct it.
A failed attempt leads to further violence and possible death.