Japanese Hostage Beheaded After ISIS Threats

ISIS have reportedly released a video announcing the execution of one of the two Japanese hostages who were being held by the extremist group. The video shows a still photo of captured Japanese journalist Kenji Goto, holding a photograph allegedly showing the beheaded corpse of his fellow hostage, Haruna Yukawa.

The video was posted online by a known ISIS supporter, and is nearly three minutes long, consisting of an audio clip of Goto speaking over the photo above. Initially ISIS asked for $200Million, being the same amount that Japan offered as humanitarian aid to those fighting against ISIS in the middle east.

According to International Business Times, Goto is allegedly recorded speaking in English, claiming  that his captors are no longer demanding the $200m ransom and are now calling for a prisoner swap.

Islamic State are demanding the release of failed female suicide bomber Sajida Mubarak al-Rishawi, who attempted to blow herself up as part of the 2005 Amman bombings in Jordan.

The video which has yet to be independently verified comes after a 72-hour deadline expired for the Japanese government to pay for the safe release of both hostages