Islamic State (ISIS) has released a video threatening to kill two more hostages unless it receives a $200 million ransom within 72 hours.
In the footage, a militant brandishing a knife addresses the camera in English, standing between two Japanese hostages wearing orange jumpsuits.
One of those hostages– Haruna Yukawa –is a self-proclaimed military consultant, while the other –Kenji Goto Jogo — is a freelance journalist, the Daily Mail reports.
The militant in the video is believed to be ‘Jihadi John,’ who appeared in the beheading videos of four Western hostages last year, and whose true identity is known to security services.
“You now have 72 hours to pressure your government into making a wise decision by paying the $200 million to save the lives of your citizens,” he says in the video, speaking in a British accent.
The Daily Mail reports the video has been identified as being made by the group’s al-Furqan media arm, and that both hostages are believed to be held in Raqqa, where ISIS has its headquarters.
Footage released in August 2014 purports to show Yukawa bloodied and bruised after being captured by ISIS sympathisers in northern Aleppo.
ISIS has murdered five Western hostages, beginning with journalist James Foley, since August last year, but it is the first time that the jihadist group has threatened Japanese captives, AFP news agency reports.
Japan has vowed it will not give in to the demands, with Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe demanding the militant group immediately free the two hostages.
“I am extremely indignant at such an act,” he said. “It is unforgivable and I feel strong resentment against this threat against human life.”
In the video, which has been posted on jihadist websites, a militant said the ransom demand was to compensate for $200 million in non-military aid that Japan has pledged in support of countries hit by Islamic State violence, like Iraq and Syria.
ISIS is thought to be holding two more hostages, the Daily Mail reports, although those hostages’ identities have not been announced.
Our thoughts are with the hostages’ family and friends.
Top Comments
Today this. Yesterday public execution by throwing gays off 7 story buildings. The day before executing teenagers because they watched a football match. But its OK because
It was done by lone wolfs.
Islam had nothing to do with it.
Its all a misunderstanding.
Its the wests fault.
The cartoon made me do it.
Etc etc