Warning: this story contains details that some may find upsetting.
The mother of American journalist James Foley has paid tribute to her son after Islamic State militants released a video that purportedly shows his beheading.
According to Sky News the footage, which was posted on various social media sites, shows a man alleged to be James Foley in an orange jumpsuit kneeling in front of a masked man speaking in English with an English accent.
The man says that Foley is being killed because Barack Obama ordered airstrikes against IS positions in northern Iraq. Foley himself then reads a statement, presumably prepared by those holding him hostage, blaming the US for his death.
He is then beheaded.
His mother Diane Foley released the following statement: “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.”
Foley (40), who had previously covered the war in Libya, had been missing since he was seized by armed men in Syria back in November 2012.
The group also said that they were holding another American journalist, Steven Sotloff, who appears at the end of the five-minute clip to say his life depends on the US President’s next move.
A spokesperson for the White House National Security Council told Sky News that they have seen the video but have not yet confirmed its authenticity.
Image via Sky News/ Nicole Tung.
