Above is a link detailing the event prior and leading up to the murder of journalist James Foley by ISIS. Abducted in November 2012, Foley's family requested the story not be released. His disappearance was not made public. It wasn't until two years later that a video was shot of Foley being beheaded by ISIS. The reason they killed James Foley is in retribution to U.S. military occupation and intervention in Iraq. During that August, the military had started a bombing campaign; launching multiple airstrikes in an attempt to prevent militants from taking control of key areas.
Foley had reported in hostile territories before. One of his most dangerous assignments was in Libya, 2011, where he was held captive for 40 days by a force loyal to dictator Muammar Qaddafi. A 4th journalist that was traveling with his group was shot and killed during the seizure.
On August 20th, 2014, President Barack Obama made an address condemning the acts of Foley's killers stating it was an "act of violence that shocks the conscience of the world."
I find it very interesting that his family wanted to keep his disappearance out of the media. Very interesting topic, and blog posts. This is a topic that should be reported on much more, in order for the murders of journalists to be stopped.
ReplyDelete