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James Foley’s Murder: Journalist Likely Killed By British Jihadist

By Patricia Didelot
Published on: 08:59 PST, Aug 20, 2014

The brutal video of journalist James Foley’s murder left authorities chasing down the terrorists one clear clue, the man wearing the black robe, who beheaded the American, had a British accent. Prime Minister David Cameron says that it’s “increasingly likely” that the terrorist hails from England.

On Tuesday, a video, reportedly showing the gruesome killing of 42-year-old Foley — who went missing in Syria in 2012 — was posted to Youtube and then removed, but not before it began circulating on the internet. Since then, social media sites, such as Twitter, have suspended accounts using it or photos of the dead man.

Cameron returned from vacation, to 10 Downing Street, in order to deal with the repercussions of the horrendous execution and said that James Foley’s killing is “deeply shocking”, adding that it’s not time for a “knee-jerk reaction.” The PM also promised the U.K. government would increase its efforts to prevent British militants to travel to Iraq and Syria to join the terrorists, however Cameron made it clear England would not get involved in another war in Iraq and there would be no British boots on the ground.

On Wednesday, the White House confirmed the James Foley murder video to be authentic and President Obama joined Cameron in condemning the execution of the innocent man in the strongest terms. During a press conference, while on vacation in Martha’s Vineyard, the President said the “entire world is appalled” by the group’s actions and that the killing “shocks the conscience” of all people.”

James Foley’s family requested on Tuesday that in honor of their son, people not watch the video, even if it is available and the Metropolitan Police in England warned that “viewing, downloading or disseminating” the video might be an offense under terrorism legislation. Cameron returned home to hold meetings on what the next steps are following the murder of journalist James Foley, whose killer has not been identified, but it’s “deeply shocking” that he appeared to be British.

Prior to the authentication of the terrorist video, Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond had acknowledged the militant depicted with murdered journalist James Foley spoke with an English accent, but said further analysis of the footage was needed.

“We’re absolutely aware that there are significant numbers of British nationals involved in terrible crimes, probably in the commission of atrocities, making jihad with Isil (now known as IS) and other extremist organizations.”

“This is something we have been tracking and dealing with for many many months and I don’t think this video changes anything.”

It is estimated that IS — which is also allegedly persecuting Christians in Iraq and driving them out of their homes, beheading children, killing men, and raping young girls and women — has about 400 British citizens in its ranks. Approximately 69 people who are suspected of having ties to Syrian militants have been arrested in the U.K.

The video of the brutal killing of American James Foley — titled A Message to America — shows a man wearing all black standing next to the journalist, who is seen kneeling and wearing an orange, prison-like jumpsuit minutes before he gets beheaded. The masked terrorists, who speaks with a British accent claims the killing is due to the recent bombing campaign carried out by the U.S. in efforts to stop the group’s invasion of crucial Iraqi cities.

James Foley’s mother, Diane, put out a moving statement on Facebook saying they have never been more proud of “our son Jim” and adding “he gave his life trying to expose the world to the suffering of the Syrian people.” Mrs. Foley implored the terrorist to spare the remaining hostages’ lives.

[Image via Twitter]

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