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Image
from an online video released by the Islamic State group's al-Furqan media arm
on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2015, purports to show the group threatening to kill two
Japanese hostages that the militants identify as Kenji Goto Jogo, left,
and Haruna Yukawa, right, unless a US$200 million ransom is paid within 72 hours.
Japan's Foreign Ministry's anti-terrorism section has seen the video and
analysts are assessing it, a ministry official said on Tuesday. (AP
Photo)
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The
Islamic State group threatened to kill two Japanese hostages unless they
receive US$200 million in 72 hours, directly demanding the ransom Tuesday from
Japan's premier during his visit to the Middle East. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe
vowed to save the men, saying: "Their lives are the top priority."
AP
reports Abe and other Japanese officials declined to discuss whether they'd pay
the ransom for captives Kenji Goto and Haruna Yukawa, though their armed forces
generally only operate in a self-defense capacity at home. Their kidnapping
also immediately recalled the 2004 beheading of a Japanese backpacker in Iraq,
carried out by the Islamic State group's predecessor over Japan's involvement
in the U.S.-led war there.
Tuesday's
video, identified as being made by the Islamic State group's al-Furqan media
arm and posted on militant websites associated with the extremist group,
mirrored other hostage threats it has made. Japanese officials said they would
analyze the tape to verify its authenticity, though Abe offered no hesitation
as he pledged to free the men while speaking to journalists in Jerusalem.
"It is
unforgivable," said Abe as he wrapped up a six-day visit to the Middle
East. He added: "Extremism and Islam are completely different
things."
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