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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 |
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A young English-speaking boy has 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 media wing, also 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, who allegedly “confess” to completing reconnaissance missions sanctioned by British authorities. | |
The clip, which has not been independently authenticated, concludes with footage of a young child in military fatigues, who warns in high-pitched English: “We are going to go kill the kafir [non-believers] over there.” | |
In a seemingly deliberate emulation of Isis videos featuring the British extremist known as Jihadi John, the footage focuses on one man wearing a balaclava-style mask and repeatedly addressing the prime minister directly. | |
Gesticulating in a manner similar to that used by Mohammed Emwazi in previous propaganda footage, the unnamed terrorist repeatedly waves a gun at the camera as he references British airstrikes in Syria. | |
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. | 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].” | 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”. | 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. | “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.” | 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.” |