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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)
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.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.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.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 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.”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. In a seemingly deliberate emulation of Isis videos featuring British extremist Mohammed Emwazi, 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. Gesticulating in a manner similar to that used by Emwazi, known as Jihadi John, 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. The hostages, who are accused in the video of being paid to gather information about Isis in Raqqa, Syria, are said to be aged between 25 and 40.
Ubi Muhammad Abdul Ghani, 26, and Ha’il Marwan Abdul Razaq, 40, are both described as cameramen in the footage. Faisal Hamud al-Ja’far and Umaar Hamud al-Ja’far, both 25, as well as Mahyar Mahmud al-Uthmaan, 31, are named as the three remaining hostages who appear to be shot dead by Isis extremists.
A Foreign Office spokesman said the video was “Daesh propaganda”, using another name for the terror group, and added that the government was examining its content.
An FCO source said it was likely Isis was trying to divert attention from “its recent military failings in Iraq and its inability to look after people in the areas that it controls”.
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 increase 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. 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.”
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.”