DHAKA: Japan says it is investigating reports that a Japanese freelance journalist is being held captive in Syria and is being threatened with death.

Rights group Reporters Without Borders (RSF) says Jumpei Yasuda has been held by an armed group in Syria since July, reports the BBC.

His captors have threatened to kill him or sell him to another group unless a ransom is paid, RSF says.

The government would not confirm the report, but said it would do its utmost to ensure the safety of its citizens.

RSF did not name which armed group was reportedly holding Yasuda, but said he was kidnapped in an area controlled by al-Nusra Front militants soon after entering Syria.

Al-Nusra Front is al-Qaeda’s affiliate in Syria.

BDST: 2125 HRS, DEC 24, 2015
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