The Islamic State has released a video purporting to show the beheading of Japanese hostage Kenji Goto, according to SITE monitoring service.
The Japanese government was trying to authenticate the video, according to the AP.
The video shows a militant with a British accent beheading Goto with a “message” to Japan:
“To the Japanese government, you like your foolish allies in the Satanic coalition have yet to understand that we, by Allah’s grace, are an Islamic caliphate with authority and power, an entire army thirsty for your blood,” the man says.
“Abe, because of your reckless decision to take part in unwinnable war, this knife will not only slaughter Kenji but will also carry on and cause carnage wherever your people are found. So let the nightmare for Japan begin.”
The screen fades to black then appears to show an image of Goto’s beheaded body.
The Islamic State group purportedly threatened to kll Lt. Muath al-Kaseasbeh by Thursday unless Jordan released a female al-Qaida prisoner, Sajida al-Rishawi, from death row.
Jordan has said it cannot release her without proof the pilot is alive.
The fate of the 26-year-old airman has been linked to that of Japanese journalist Kenji Goto, who also is being held by the militants.
(H/T BuzzFeedNews)
