Japanese journalist taken hostage in Syria three years ago released

World

TOKYO (Reuters) - A Japanese journalist held hostage by Islamist militants after being captured in Syria three years ago has been released and would be brought home as soon as possible, Japan’s foreign minister said on Wednesday.

Japanese diplomats in Turkey confirmed the released man was Jumpei Yasuda, a 44-year-old freelancer who was reported to have been captured by an al Qaeda affiliate after entering Syria from Turkey in 2015. Yasuda subsequently appeared in videos released online by his captors.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had earlier voiced relief, while still waiting for confirmation of the identity of the freed man.

Both Abe and Kono thanked Qatar and Turkey for their cooperation in freeing the man. The government’s top spokesman said earlier that no ransom was paid for his release.

Comments

Still No Comments Posted.

Leave Comments

Most Reviews

March 11, 2025

- 1635 - 0

Rapist of lady doctor at Anuradhapura identified as army deserter, parliament told

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala told Parliament today that the suspect in the rape of a lady doctor at the Anuradhapura teaching hospital has been identified as an army deserter and he will be apprehended shortly.

March 12, 2025

- 562 - 0

Suspect involved in sexual assault of Anuradhapura doctor arrested

Police have arrested the suspect connected to the sexual assault on a female doctor at the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital today morning in Galnewa.

March 6, 2025

- 463 - 0

IMF insists SriLankan Airlines be restructured within this year

March 11, 2025

- 372 - 0

Dutch authorities investigate companies suspected of paying bribes for Sri Lanka hospital projects

The Dutch Public Prosecutor suspects two companies of paying bribes in the construction of hospitals in Sri Lanka, according to an investigation by FD, the Dutch financial newspaper.

March 6, 2025

- 320 - 0

Budget 2025: No plans to further revise public sector salaries and allowances

March 8, 2025

- 233 - 0

Internationally funded projects only on Govt-to-Govt basis in future

The Minister of Power, Kumara Jayakody, stated that in the future, internationally funded projects, such as power projects, will only be carried out through government-to-government (G2G) agreements and competitive procurement.