British aid worker beheaded in Islamic State video
The Islamic State has released video that shows the beheading of a British hostage and appears intended as a threat to countries backing military action in the Middle East.
The video identifies the victim as aid worker David Haines, who went missing last year while working in Syria for an international aid agency.
The beheading is the third videotaped and posted in the past month by Islamic State. It has similar visual characteristics to videos showing the beheadings of two American journalists, James Foley and Steven Sotloff. In those videos, the insurgent group warned President Obama there would be consequences if the U.S. did not stop airstrikes in Iraq.
Haines' apparent killer, who is dressed in black and speaks with a British accent, appears to be the same man who was in the videos showing the beheadings of the two Americans, the AP says.
The 2½-minute video titled "A Message to the Allies of America" includes what appears to be a threat directed at British Prime Minister David Cameron, news.com.au says. "For being a lapdog, Cameron, you will drag your people into another bloody and unwinnable war," the video warns.
Cameron responded to the video by tweeting: "The murder of David Haines is an act of pure evil. My heart goes out to his family who have shown extraordinary courage and fortitude. ... We will do everything in our power to hunt down these murderers and ensure they face justice, no matter how long it takes."
Cameron has returned to his residence at Downing Street and is expected to chair a meeting of the government's emergency response team Sunday.
Late Saturday, the White House released a statement from Obama in which he says the United States strongly condemns the "barbaric murder" of Haines.
"Our hearts go out to the family of Mr. Haines and to the people of the United Kingdom," the statement reads. "The United States stands shoulder to shoulder tonight with our close friend and ally in grief and resolve.
"We will work with the United Kingdom and a broad coalition of nations from the region and around the world to bring the perpetrators of this outrageous act to justice, and to degrade and destroy this threat to the people of our countries, the region and the world."
Haines, 44, a father of two, was captured by Islamic State in Syria in March 2013, according to England's Mirror. Later in the video, the militant threatens another hostage identified as British aid worker Alan Henning.
In the latest beheading video, Haines reads a script that blames the British government for his death, according to The New York Times. He says: "I would like to declare that I hold you, David Cameron, entirely responsible for my execution. You entered voluntarily into a coalition with the United States against the Islamic State. ... Unfortunately, it is we the British public that in the end will pay the price for our Parliament's selfish decisions."
In a televised speech to the nation Wednesday, Obama laid out a four-part plan that includes going after Islamic State in Syria. He said he is prepared to order airstrikes in Syria and send in 475 military advisers.
"I have made it clear that we will hunt down terrorists who threaten our country, wherever they are," said Obama, who vowed not to send combat troops to the region.
In a statement, Haines' brother mourned his family's loss.
"My name is Mike Haines, I am brother to David Haines, who was recently murdered in cold blood.
My David was like so very many of us, just another bloke. Born in 1970 to parents who loved us both, our childhood was centred around our family. Holidays in caravans and tents, days away as a family which we remember fondly. David and I were brought up to know right from wrong, although we might not with the innocence of youth have always chosen right. David was a good brother, there when I needed him and absent when I didn't. I hope that he felt the same way about me. He was, in the right mood, the life and soul of the party and on other times the most stubborn irritating pain in the ass. He would probably say the same about me.
After leaving school he worked with the Royal Mail before joining the RAF as an aircraft engineer. He married his childhood sweetheart Louise and in the due process of time had a wee lass Bethany. He was -- and no doubt wherever he is -- exceptionally proud of Bethany.
David served with the UN in the Balkans, helping people in real need. There are many accolades from people in that region that David helped. He helped whoever needed help, regardless of race, creed or religion. During this time David began to decide that humanitarian work was the field he wanted to work in.
David left the RAF and was employed by Scotrail. As with every job, David entered into it with enthusiasm. David met and married his second wife Dragana and they have a four year old daughter Athea.
David was most alive and enthusiastic in his humanitarian roles. His joy and anticipation for the work he went to do in Syria is for myself and family the most important element of this whole sad affair.
He was and is loved by all his family and will be missed terribly."
Contributing: Ledyard King