Officials say a disturbing video which appears to show an ISIS member standing with the head of American aid worker Peter Kassig was released this morning.
The 26-year-old former army ranger was reportedly kidnapped while delivering medical supplies near a checkpoint in northern Syria more than a year ago. According to the New York Times, the video is different from others released by the militant group, as it does not show a full execution:
The footage — which has not been independently verified — is significantly different from those of four other hostage executions the militants have filmed. Unlike the deaths of James Foley and others, the actual killing of the former Ranger, Peter Kassig, is not shown. And he is not made to deliver a final message. The camera pans across the boots of the hooded killer. Between his feet is a decapitated head, blood smearing the cheek.
The Times adds that a spokeswoman for the National Security Council says that authorities are working to confirm the video's authenticity. Kassig's family released a statement today saying they're awaiting confirmation as well:
Statement from family of US hostage Abdul-Rahman (Peter) Kassig, after claims he's been killed http://t.co/78KapuV0gO pic.twitter.com/lc4IwGxTud
— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) November 16, 2014
[via New York Times]