Video purports to show beheading of US journalist

BEIRUT (AP) — The Islamic State group says it has beheaded another American journalist, in retribution for continued U.S. airstrikes in Iraq.

An internet video posted today purports to show the beading of Steve Sotloff by the militant group. He hadn’t been seen in Syria since August of last year — until he appeared in a video released last month by the Islamic State group that showed the beheading of fellow American journalist James Foley.

In the video, the fighter who appears to behead Sotloff says, “I’m back, Obama” — and says it’s because of an “arrogant foreign policy toward the Islamic State.” The fighter says, “Just as your missiles continue to strike our people, our knife will continue to strike the necks of your people.”

At the end of the video, he threatens to kill a third captive, a British man — David Haines.

A White House spokesman said he wasn’t in a position to confirm the authenticity of the video, and added, “Our thoughts and prayers first and foremost” are with Sotloff’s family.

%@AP Links

183-a-07-(Josh Earnest, White House press secretary, at briefing)-“worked with him”-White House press secretary Josh Earnest was just getting word of the Internet video purporting to show the beheading of American reporter Steven Sotloff by the Islamic State group, and though it couldn’t confirm its authenticity he expressed concern. (2 Sep 2014)

<

184-a-08-(Josh Earnest, White House press secretary, at briefing)-“rescue Mr. Sotloff”-White House press secretary Josh Earnest was just getting word of the Internet video purporting to show the beheading of American reporter Steven Sotloff by the Islamic State group, and although he couldn’t confirm its authenticity he mentioned past efforts to free him. (2 Sep 2014)

<

APPHOTO CAINM510: FILE – This image made from video released by Islamic State militants on Aug. 19, 2014 purports to show journalist Steven Sotloff being held by the militant group. On Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2014, an Internet video purports to show the beheading of Sotloff by the Islamic State group. (AP Photo/File) (10 Nov 2012)

<

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up