UN Security Council condemns ‘heinous’ Henning murder

UNITED NATIONS – The UN Security Council has strongly condemned the “heinous and cowardly” murder of British hostage Alan Henning, shown in a video with an Islamic State (IS, formerly known as ISIS or the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq) fighter.

In a unanimous statement issued late Friday, October 3, the 15-member council said the “continued acts of barbarism perpetrated by ISIL (another term for ISIS) do not intimidate them, but rather stiffen their resolve” to counter the jihadists.

Henning, from Manchester in northwest England, became the 4th Western hostage murdered by ISIS militants since August and the second Briton, after aid worker David Haines.

The 47-year-old, who volunteered to help drive an aid convoy to Syria for Muslim charity Aid4Syria, was kidnapped 10 months ago. (READ: British PM confirms murder of Alan Henning by ISIS)

“This crime is a tragic reminder of the increasing dangers volunteer humanitarian personnel face every day in Syria. It also once again demonstrates the brutality of ISIL, which is responsible for thousands of abuses against the Syrian and Iraqi people.”

The statement also demanded the release of all hostages held by the Islamic militants and warned that the perpetrators of “these reprehensible acts of terrorism” would face justice.

In a video released Friday by the group in response to US-led air strikes against it, a masked ISIS fighter beheads Henning and threatens a US captive, aid worker Peter Kassig.

American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff were also executed by ISIS militants who posted videos of the murders. – Rappler.com