ISIS reportedly beheaded its fifth Western hostage. Peter Kassig was a relief worker aiding Syrian refugees before being captured by the notorious terror group.
The Islamic State (IS, ISIS, ISIL) Terror Group has reportedly beheaded American hostage Peter Kassig, its fifth Western victim to be decapitated on camera.
A video released by IS shows the aftermath of a beheading, in which the victim is not clearly recognizable, CNN reports. CNN has so far not been able to confirm the authenticity of the video nor the identity of the victim.
Kassig, 26, was a volunteer aid worker in Syria who was abducted over a year ago while offering support to Syrian refugees. He reportedly converted to Islam in captivity and adopted the name Abdul-Rahman. Kassig had also served as a US soldier in Iraq.
Kassig’s life was threatened in the last decapitating video released by IS in October. A week after its release, his family released a YouTube video begging his captors to show mercy and to free him. Kassig’s mother, Paula, addressed her son in the video: “We are so very proud of you and the work you have done to bring humanitarian aid to the Syrian people.”
WATCH- Kassig’s parents beg IS for his life:
Standard Condemnation
The White House issued a statement condemning the purported killing and said intelligence officials were working to determine the video’s authenticity. “If confirmed, we are appalled by the brutal murder of an innocent American aid worker and we express our deepest condolences to his family and friends,” said National Security Council spokeswoman Bernadette Meehan.
British Prime Minister David Cameron stated via Twitter: “I’m horrified by the cold-blooded murder of Abdul-Rahman Kassig. ISIL have again shown their depravity. My thoughts are with his family.”
A Different Style of Propaganda Clip
“John the Jihadist” appears again in the beheading video, but CNN reports that this clip is different than the previous ones. It is 16 minutes long, and IS used the opportunity to recount the terror organization’s gruesome history.
The victim did not make an address as has happened in the past, and no threat was made against further Western captives held by IS.
A Growing List of Victims
American journalist James Foley was the first Westerner to be decapitated on camera in mid-August. He was followed by American-Israeli journalist Steven Sotloff, who was murdered in September.
British aid worker David Haines’s beheading followed at the end of September, and Alan Henning, a British national, was next on October 3.
Author: United with Israel Staff