Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and war correspondent Peter Arnett has died at the age of 91, US media has reported.
Arnett won the international reporting prize in 1996 for his Vietnam War coverage at the Associated Press (AP). He was also well known for his work at CNN, having become a household name while reporting on the first Gulf War.
His career spanned decades and covered several conflicts in countries including Iraq, Vietnam and El Salvador.
The New Zealand-born journalist died on Wednesday surrounded by family and friends in California, his son told reporters. He was receiving hospice care for prostate cancer.
Arnett first worked for AP as a wire-service correspondent in Vietnam, from 1962 until the war's end in 1975, often accompanying troops on missions. He vividly recalled moments before witnessing a soldier being shot in Vietnam.
In 1981, he joined CNN and gained fame during the first Gulf War, remaining one of the few Western reporters in Baghdad amidst the chaos. He famously reported live on-air, exclaiming about bomb explosions, showcasing his bravery.
Known for interviewing figures like Saddam Hussein and Osama Bin Laden, Arnett's distinct approach to journalism made waves in the industry. His candid remarks about the challenges he faced in conflict zones highlighted his commitment to truth.
After his tenure at NBC, which ended controversially after he criticized US military strategies, he quickly found work with the Daily Mirror, standing by his belief in reporting truthfully.
Arnett's legacy as an intrepid journalist has been acknowledged by colleagues and friends, with many highlighting the profound impact he had on the field of journalism.
He is survived by his wife, Nina Nguyen, and their children, Andrew and Elsa.
