Japan welcomes reports of liberation of Syria's Raqqa

TOKYO - 22 October 2017: A spokesman for Japan's Foreign Ministry has welcomed reports about the recapture of Raqqa, which served as the de facto capital of Daesh militant group, Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) reported Saturday.

Foreign Press Secretary Norio Maruyama said in a statement that the Japanese government "appreciates reports of the liberation of Raqqa as an important step for peace and stability in Syria."

However, he noted that "some areas are still under control" of the militant group, "and a serious humanitarian crisis, including the existence of a huge number of refugees and internally displaced persons, continues."

Maruyama said Japan supports the international fight against terrorism, and will continue contributing in humanitarian and other non-military ways.