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Foley in Aleppo, Syria in 2012. Photo: Nicole Tung
U.S. officials have confirmed the authenticity of the video showing the beheading of captive American reporter James Foley by the group Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. Foley, 40 and a freelancer for the GlobalPost, had been taken captive in Syria two years ago. ISIS claimed the murder was carried out in retaliation for American airstrikes.
On the Free James Foley Facebook page:
A message from Jim's mom, Diane Foley:
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.
British officials are said to be investigating whether the masked executioner shown in the video is British. He spoke English with what is described as an East London accent.
