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Isis hostage clip shows English-speaking boy and jihadi warning of attacks Isis hostage clip shows English-speaking boy and jihadi warning of attacks
(35 minutes later)
An English-speaking boy and an extremist have appeared in a new Islamic State propaganda video that shows the murder of five hostages it claims worked for the British intelligence services.An English-speaking boy and an extremist have appeared in a new Islamic State propaganda video that shows the murder of five hostages it claims worked for the British intelligence services.
The 11-minute footage, which was released by the Isis propaganda wing, Ar Raqqah, includes a “message for David Cameron”, read by a masked man with a British-sounding accent who threatens attacks in the UK. The 11-minute footage, which was released by the Isis media wing, includes a “message for David Cameron”, read by a masked man with a British-sounding accent who threatens attacks in the UK.
Standing behind five kneeling hostages in orange jumpsuits, the unknown extremist repeatedly points a gun at the camera while claiming to be preparing an invasion of Isis fighters in Europe. The video then appears to show the murder of the hostages.Standing behind five kneeling hostages in orange jumpsuits, the unknown extremist repeatedly points a gun at the camera while claiming to be preparing an invasion of Isis fighters in Europe. The video then appears to show the murder of the hostages.
The clip, which has not been independently authenticated, concludes with footage of a young child in military fatigues, who warns in English: “We are going to go kill the kafir [non-believers] over there.”The clip, which has not been independently authenticated, concludes with footage of a young child in military fatigues, who warns in English: “We are going to go kill the kafir [non-believers] over there.”
In what appeared to be a conscious emulation of Isis videos featuring the British extremist known as Jihadi John, the footage shows the suspected killer wearing a balaclava-style mask and directly addressing the prime minister.
Gesticulating in a manner similar to that used by Mohammed Emwazi in previous propaganda footage, the unnamed terrorist also repeatedly waved a gun at the camera.
A Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) spokesman said the video was “Daesh propaganda”, using another name for the terror group, and refused to comment further.
Charlie Winter, a senior researcher in transcultural conflict at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia, said: “Among other things, Isis is trying to seize the initiative again, having taken a major hit with the loss of Ramadi [in Iraq].”
He added that there had been “an uptick in propaganda videos and photo essays” in recent weeks, designed to “divert attention away from big tactical blows like Ramadi”.
“Leaving the executioner unnamed will cause an inevitable scramble, on the media’s part, to figure out who he is, thereby ensuring renewed prominence for Isis in the news,” Winter added.
Regarding the appearance of an English-speaking child, the academic said: “There is sadly nothing strange about it – children are regularly used by Isis to execute alleged spies.”