A Japanese freelance journalist is reportedly being held by an armed group in Syria, a media report said on Thursday.
Jumpei Yasuda entered Syria from Turkey in June to cover the country's civil war. He was accompanied by a guide, public broadcaster NHK reported.
Yasuda was supposed to return in July but his whereabouts remain unknown.
Reporters Without Borders, a Paris-based NGO, said on its website on Tuesday that Yasuda had been kidnapped by an armed group in an area controlled by the Al Qaeda-affiliated Al-Nusra Front.
The NGO said those holding Yasuda are demanding a ransom for his release, and called on Japan's government to do everything possible to free him.
Yasuda was a newspaper reporter before turning freelance. He has worked in conflict zones such as Syria and Iraq.
In 2004, he was held for four days in Iraq by local militia.
You’ve hit your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Access to Exclusive Premium Stories Online
Over 30 behind the paywall stories daily, handpicked by our editors for subscribers
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app