US will not be intimidated, says Obama
US President Barack Obama has released a statement after a second American journalist was beheaded by the Islamic State of Syria and Iraq group militants.
"Whatever these murderers think they will achieve by killing innocent Americans like Steven, they have already failed," Mr Obama said, according to Aljazeera.
"We will not be intimidated. Their horrific acts only unite us as a country, and, stiffened our resolve to fight against these terrorists," he added.
The statement comes after the US National Security Council had confirmed the authenticity of the online video which showed the killing of 31-year-old Steven Sotloff, who was kidnapped in Aleppo, Syria in August last year.
A screen shot from the video posted by ISIS of the murder of US journalist Steven Sotloff. PHOTO: Reuters
"Our objective is clear, and that is: degrade and destroy ISIL (ISIS) so that it’s no longer a threat, not just to Iraq but also to the region and to the United States," New York Times reported.
The publication reported that he added: "It's not only that we’re going to be bringing to justice those who perpetrated this terrible crime against these two fine young men...The United States will continue to lead a regional and international effort against the kind of barbaric and ultimately empty vision."
Sources: Aljazeera and New York Times
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now
