A Japanese security contractor kidnapped by the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist group, reportedly, was murdered, reports SITE Intel Group via Twitter. The Islamic extremist group had placed a $200 million ransom on the head of Haruna Yukawa as punishment towards Japan for funding the same amount to non-military aid for nations fighting against the group. A video surfaced showing fellow hostage, journalist Kenji Goto, who said the following: “I am Kenji Goto Jogo. You have seen the photo of my cellmate Haruna slaughtered in the land of the Islamic Caliphate. You were warned. You were given a deadline and so my captives acted upon their words.” Japanese officials are still in process of confirming the video and alleged death.
The near three minute video shows Goto holding up a picture of the beheaded hostage and says ISIS has now changed their ransom terms.
“It is simple. You give them Sajida and I will be released,” says Goto. Sajida al-Rishawi, a female suicide bomber, was arrested for a failed terrorist attempt in 2005. She currently remains imprisoned in Jordon. Goto said Japanese representatives are currently in Jordon, and it would be simple for them to work with Jordan officials to release the connection to ISIS for his own survival.
Japan has joined other nations, like the U.S. and Britain who do not pay ransoms, leaving the hostages in a very precarious position of certain death. On Friday, the U.S. and allies aimed another 26 strikes on militant holds in Syria and Iraq.
During a six day trip to the Middle East, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met with officials to discuss the captivity situation.
Abe said his country would not cave to terrorism, but continue working hard to get the hostages back home, safely. Goto and Yukawa were close friends, and when Goto heard of his friend’s kidnapping, he ideally thought he could save him. Last October, the journalist headed out to the hot zone and was taken hostage by the rebels, alongside his friend.
Currently, officials are working to confirm the authenticity of the video. Viral Global News has declined to show the video, due to the severity of the situation, and out of respect for the families involved.
