Japanese Citizen Captured by the Islamic State in Syria

A Japanese citizen identified as Haruna Yakawa was recently captured by the Islamic State in the Syrian province of Aleppo. Yakawa was believed to have joined the Islamic Front in early 2014. The Islamic State released the video of his interrogation, where a Belgian member brutally interrogated Haruna, causing visible injuries to his face.

The Japanese Government has acknowledged his citizenship and identity. His current health is unknown, along with his whereabouts. Clashes between the Islamic Front and Islamic State have intensified over the last week in Aleppo, as members of the I.S. have attacked I.F. strongholds in the northern Aleppo city of Azaz.