Beheading of American journalist James Foley video released by the terrorist group ISIS shows the beheading the death of the U.S. journalist, as well as threat to the life of another American if President Barack Obama does not end military operations in Iraq, reports WTVR. Meanwhile, two U.S. officials said that the beheading of American journalist James Foley video seems "appears authentic."

According to the International Business Times, the two U.S. officials spoke on the condition of anonymity. They told Associated Press that the beheading of American journalist James Foley video, which was released by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or ISIS, "appears to be authentic."

The officials added that President Obama had already been briefed and an official confirmation from the White House is due Wednesday.

According to The Telegraph, ISIS said they have released the beheading of American journalist James Foley video as retaliation for US air strikes in northern Iraq.

Meanwhile, White House National Security Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said, "We have seen a video that purports to be the murder of US citizen James Foley by (ISIS). The intelligence community is working as quickly as possible to determine its authenticity."

She added, "If genuine, we are appalled by the brutal murder of an innocent American journalist and we express our deepest condolences to his family and friends. We will provide more information when it is available."

ISIS has carried out executions in the past in an effort to establish an Islamic caliphate stretching from Syria to Iraq. They have reportedly videotaped many of these executions and posted them online, reports WTVR.

The beheading of American journalist James Foley video was posted on YouTube on Tuesday. It was titled "A Message to #America (from the #IslamicState)".

The video showed a shaven-headed man, who appears to be Foley, dressed in an orange robe kneeling beside an armed man wearing a black robe.

According to ABC News, before he was beheaded, Foley was made to deliver a statement condemning U.S. action in Iraq. He said that the U.S. government is his "real killers".

He added, "For what will happen to me is only a result of their complacency and criminality. I wish I had more time."

He continued, "I wish I could have the hope of freedom of seeing my family once again, but that ship has sailed. I guess all in all, I wish I wasn't American."

The man dressed in black then identified himself as with the Islamic State as he brandishes a knife.

In the beheading of American journalist James Foley video, the executioner said, "Today your military air force has attacked us daily... Your strikes have caused casualties amongst Muslims."

After that, he addressed President Obama and said, "any attempt... to deny the Muslims their right to live in safety under the Islamic caliphate will result in the bloodshed of your people."

Foley is then killed.

The Telegraph said Foley used to work as as a freelance journalist, working for the GlobalPost at the time of his disappearance. He was covering the Syrian civil war when he disappeared on Nov. 22, 2012 in northwest Syria, near the border with Turkey.

According to WTVR, he was forced into a vehicle by gunmen and he was not heard from again.

After Foley's execution, the beheading of American journalist James Foley video showed a second prisoner. identified as Steven Sotloff. Sotloff is also a US journalist, writing for national publications like Time. He has been missing since last August.

The executioner then addressed Obama saying, "...the life of this American citizen, Obama, depends on your next decision".

What exactly does ISIS want?

According to the IBTimes, ISIS' immediate goal was to use shocking images to intimidate Obama into halting U.S. airstrikes on ISIS strongholds in Iraq, since the air strikes have reportedly been impeding ISIS's objective of maintaining and expanding its self-declared caliphate.

The group has already seized large parts of Iraq and Syria, taking siege of Iraq's largest dam. They have also seized Iraq and Syria territories about the size of Belgium.

The beheading of American journalist James Foley video came 24 hours after U.S. and Iraq regained control of the Mosul dam through the air strikes ordered by Obama.

Hayden wrote in a statement to reporters that the U.S. government is offering a $10 million reward for information leading to the capture of ISIS leader al-Baghdadi's.

By Tuesday afternoon, the Facebook group "Free James Foley," a group set up to support Foley and his family, wrote, "We know that many of you are looking for confirmation or answers. Please be patient until we all have more information, and keep the Foleys in your thoughts and prayers."

 

Post by Free James Foley.

Beheading of American journalist James Foley video occurred as he turned 40 in captivity the previous year. His parents currently live in New Hampshire. According to The Telegraph, his family previously believed that he was held by pro-government Syrian forces near Damascus.