Hostage video: Italian and Japanese captives in Syria appeal for help

Videos have emerged of Italian and Japanese hostages in orange jumpsuits in Syria, appealing for their release in front of two black-clad gunmen.

According to SITE, a US-based website tracking "extremist" activities, the two men are Japanese freelance journalist Jumpei Yasuda and Italian national Alessandro Sabdrini.

Jumpei is thought to have been abducted by al-Nusra Front, a former al-Qaeda affiliate, in northern Syria in 2015.

He identifies himself as Korean in the video but speaks Japanese, giving the recording date as 25 July, stating that he is in a bad situation and asking for help.

Sandrini gives a different date, 19 July, and says that it is his last request to the Italian government.

"Today is July 19, 2018,” says Sandrini in the video.

“Give me the opportunity to communicate for the last time. I ask Italy to help me, to resolve this situation quickly. I have been imprisoned for two years…they told me that they are fed up, that they will kill me if it does not work out quickly.”

According to Italian media, Sandrini was kidnapped in Turkey in October 2016 before being taken to Syria. He is said to be 32 years old.  

Huffington Post Italian said the video is currently being investigated by the Rome prosecutor.

According to Japanese media, Yasuda, 44, says in the video "today's date is July 25, 2018. I am in a terrible situation. Please help me now."

The director of SITE, Rita Katz, said the kidnappers seem to be seeking ransom, but it remains unclear which militant group is behind the video. It is highly unlikely that IS or al-Qaeda are involved, she said. 

Middle East Eye has not independently verified the videos.