Photographer released after spending over a year in captivity in Syria

Sources claim the dreaded Islamic rebel group ISIL was responsible

A Danish freelance photographer who had been held captive in Syria for the past 13 months was yesterday released, according to the Foreign Ministry.

Daniel Rye Ottosen, 25, from Give was taken hostage on May 17 last year, just two days after he arrived to photograph Syrian refugees in Turkey and Syria.

“Under the circumstances, Daniel Rye Ottosen is doing well and is being reunited with his family,” the Foreign Ministry wrote in a press release.

“The Danish press has been aware of Daniel’s case for a while, but they have not covered the story out of consideration for Daniel’s safety.”

READ MORE: Journalist held hostage in Lebanon released

ISIL responsible
It is unclear who held Ottosen hostage, but sources close to the ordeal have told Ritzau news service that the dreaded Islamic rebel group ISIL was responsible.

No official information has been made public about how Ottosen was released, but according to Ritzau the young photographer was set free after a ransom was paid.

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