This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-28875827
The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 1 | Version 2 |
---|---|
US tried but failed to free US hostages in Syria | US tried but failed to free US hostages in Syria |
(35 minutes later) | |
A US secret military mission had "recently" tried but failed "to free a number of American hostages held in Syria", the Pentagon has revealed. | A US secret military mission had "recently" tried but failed "to free a number of American hostages held in Syria", the Pentagon has revealed. |
It did not say whether the US troops had also tried to rescue US journalist James Foley, a video of whose beheading by Islamic State appeared on Tuesday. | It did not say whether the US troops had also tried to rescue US journalist James Foley, a video of whose beheading by Islamic State appeared on Tuesday. |
However, senior US officials - speaking on condition of anonymity - said this was the case. | However, senior US officials - speaking on condition of anonymity - said this was the case. |
IS said Foley's death was revenge for US air strikes on its fighters in Iraq. | IS said Foley's death was revenge for US air strikes on its fighters in Iraq. |
US President Barack Obama condemned the killing as "an act of violence that shocks the conscience of the entire world". | US President Barack Obama condemned the killing as "an act of violence that shocks the conscience of the entire world". |
He compared IS militants, who control large parts of Syria and Iraq to a "cancer" and said the group's ideology was "bankrupt". | He compared IS militants, who control large parts of Syria and Iraq to a "cancer" and said the group's ideology was "bankrupt". |
The UN, UK and others have also expressed abhorrence at the video. | The UN, UK and others have also expressed abhorrence at the video. |
Mr Foley's mother Diane said he "gave his life trying to expose the world to the suffering of the Syrian people". | Mr Foley's mother Diane said he "gave his life trying to expose the world to the suffering of the Syrian people". |
The Committee to Protect Journalists said it was "extremely concerned for all journalists" still held by IS, describing Syria as "the world's most dangerous place to be a reporter". | |
'Firefight' | 'Firefight' |
In a statement, the Pentagon said its operation "involved air and ground components and was focused on a particular captor network within ISIL" (the former name of IS). | In a statement, the Pentagon said its operation "involved air and ground components and was focused on a particular captor network within ISIL" (the former name of IS). |
"Unfortunately, the mission was not successful because the hostages were not present at the targeted location." | "Unfortunately, the mission was not successful because the hostages were not present at the targeted location." |
Meanwhile, the senior Obama administration officials said that several dozen special troops had been dropped by aircraft into Syria earlier this summer to try to rescue US hostages, including Foley. | Meanwhile, the senior Obama administration officials said that several dozen special troops had been dropped by aircraft into Syria earlier this summer to try to rescue US hostages, including Foley. |
They added that the troops had been engaged in a firefight with IS militants, killing a number of them. No Americans were killed. | They added that the troops had been engaged in a firefight with IS militants, killing a number of them. No Americans were killed. |
James Foley, 40, was seized in Syria in 2012. | James Foley, 40, was seized in Syria in 2012. |
He had reported extensively across the Middle East, working for US publication GlobalPost and other media outlets including French news agency AFP. | He had reported extensively across the Middle East, working for US publication GlobalPost and other media outlets including French news agency AFP. |
'Warning to Obama' | |
In the IS video, titled A Message to America, a man identified as James Foley is dressed in an orange jumpsuit, kneeling in desert-like terrain beside an armed man dressed in black. | |
He gives a message to his family and links his imminent death to the US government's bombing campaign of IS targets in Iraq. | |
Clearly under duress, he says: "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." | |
Then the masked militant - who speaks with a British accent - delivers a warning to the US government: "Any attempt by you, Obama, to deny the Muslims their rights of living in safety under the Islamic caliphate will result in the bloodshed of your people." | |
After he speaks, the militant appears to start cutting at his captive's neck before the video fades to black. His body is then seen on the ground. | |
Another captive, identified as American journalist Steven Sotloff, is shown at the end, with the warning that his fate depends on President Obama's next move. | |
Mr Sotloff was abducted in northern Syria a year ago. | |
Who are Islamic State (IS)? | |
Islamic State activities as of 14 August | |
Are you in Syria or the wider region? What is your reaction to this story? You can send us your comments by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk using the subject line "James Foley". |