ISIS Wants $200M for Japanese Hostages

ISIS posted a video online Tuesday threatening to kill two Japanese hostages unless they receive a ransom of $200 million in the next 72 hours. Footage reveals two hostages in orange jumpsuits that the jihadi names as Kenji Goto Jogo and Haruna Yukawa. The militant, speaking with a British accent, said Japan was targeted for supporting Western military efforts. “You have proudly donated $100 million to kill our women and children, to destroy the homes of the Muslims,” the jihadi said on camera. Speaking in Jerusalem, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said that ISIS should immediately release the hostages, saying that “their lives are the top priority.” Back in Japan, chief government spokesman Yoshihide Suga declined to say if a ransom would be paid, but did say, “If true, the act of threat in exchange of people’s lives is unforgivable and we feel strong indignation. We will make our utmost effort to win their release as soon as possible.”