Japan To Confirm Identity Of Journalist Freed After 3-Year Hostage Ordeal

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Japan to Confirm Identity of Journalist Freed After 3-Year Hostage Ordeal

TOKYO (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 24th October, 2018) Tokyo is verifying the identity of a man believed to be Japanese journalist Jumpei Yasuda who was freed from three years of captivity in Syria, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said.

"I was relieved to learn about Yasuda's [release]. We will confirm his identity as soon as possible," Abe told journalists on Wednesday.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said at the press conference this would likely happen after 3 p.m. (6:00GMT).

The military correspondent was taken hostage by a Syrian armed group in June 2015. Several videos of his pleas for help had since been circulated online.

Japan was informed this week that its national was likely freed and staying in Turkey. At the press briefing, Abe thanked Turkey and Qatar for their mediation.