WUNRN
http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/555692/Barack-Obama-US-rescue-female-Isis-hostage
USA – Serious Effort Underway to Rescue American Female Islamic State Hostage
PRESIDENT
Barack Obama said today that the US is "doing anything we can" to
rescue an American woman being held hostage by the so-called Islamic State
terrorist group.
By SARAH ANN HARRIS – 2 February 2015
Mr Obama
said that both the US and its allies were using all the tools they have
available to try to locate the 26-year-old woman.
In
excerpts of an TV interview with America's NBC network released today, Mr Obama
said: "Obviously this is something that is heart-breaking for the family
and we want to make sure we do anything we can to make sure that any American
citizen is rescued from this situation."
The woman,
who has not been identified over fears for her safety, was captured last year
in Syria, according to US officials.
Mr Obama
said that he has watched videos of hostages being murdered.
He vowed
that the US would be aggressive in pursuing those who perpetrate such horrific
acts.
Three
Americans have been beheaded by the militant group: aid worker Peter Kassig and
journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff.
British
aid workers David Haines and Alan Henning were also executed by the IS militant
known as 'Jihadi John'
Mr
Obama's comments come as the wife of a murdered Japanese hostage said that she
was devasted by his death – but also "extremely proud" of her spouse.
A video
appeared online purportedly showing the murder of Kenji Goto, a freelance
journalist, on Saturday.
His wife,
Rinko Jogo released a statement through British-based journalist group the Rory
Peck Trust.
She said:
"I remain extremely proud of my husband, who reported the plight of people
in conflict areas like Iraq, Somalia and Syria.
"It
was his passion to highlight the effects on ordinary people, especially through
the eyes of children, and to inform the rest of us of the tragedies of
war."
Ms Jogo
requested privacy for her family as they deal with their loss, and thanked
those who had supported them.
Another
Japanese hostage, Haruna Yukawa, was also killed by the group.
It is
understood that 47-year-old Mr Goto travelled to Syria in October in order to
try to secure Mr Yukawa's release after he was seized last summer.
Following
the killings, Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe vowed that the country would
stand firm in the face of terror.
He said:
"The terrorists are criminals.
"We
are determined to pursue them and hold them accountable."