Shocking images of US journalists purportedly beheaded in Syria

James Wright Foley, the US journalist who was captured in Syria in November 2012 and who has been out of contact until just this month, has reportedly been beheaded by the Islamic militant group, formerly known as ISIS.

Since the news went viral yesterday, a video titled ‘A Message to America’ was posted on YouTube in which a purported second journalist, Steven Soltoff, dressed in orange prison fatigues, is on his knees making a forced statement against President Barack Obama.

The prisoner’s executioner then adds that Sotloff “will be next” depending on Obama’s “next decision” (ie: whether the President would halt airstrikes against Syria or not).

The prisoner recites the words: “I call on my friends, family, and loved ones to rise up against my real killers – the US government – for what will happen to me is only a result of their complacency and criminality.”

While no footage of James Foley’s beheading is available online (videos have since been removed from YouTube), the journalist’s mother has gone ahead to confirm his death on the ‘Free James Foley’ Facebook page. The message reads:

“We have never been prouder of our son Jim. He gave his life trying to expose the world to the suffering of the Syrian people. We implore the kidnappers to spare the lives of the remaining hostages. Like Jim, they are innocents. They have no control over American government policy in Iraq, Syria or anywhere in the world. We thank Jim for all the joy he gave us. He was an extraordinary son, brother, journalist and person. Please respect our privacy in the days ahead as we mourn and cherish Jim.”

The US National Security Council says it will “provide more information when it is available”.  Antonino Tati