Islamic State claims to have beheaded U.S. hostage Peter Kassig

NEW YORK – The Islamic State has claimed to have murdered another hostage. Peter Kassig, an American aid worker who was kidnapped in Syria is a former United States Ranger. The murder is not yet confirmed by Western officials.

“This is Peter Kassig, a U.S. citizen of your country.”

Islamic State claim they have beheaded American hostage Peter Kassig — taken captive on his way to eastern syria in 2013 to do humanitarian work.

This new video posted online does NOT show the beheading… it shows a masked man standing with a decapitated head covered in blood lying at his feet.

Islamic State, seen here in file video, released the 15-minute video which also shows the militants beheading at least 14 men, which they say were pilots and officers loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

The U.S. government is trying to confirm the authenticity of the video.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) UNKNOWN ISLAMIC STATE FIGHTER, SAYING

“Peter, who fought against the Muslims in Iraq while serving as a soldier under the American army, doesn’t have much to say.”

Kassig’s parents said in a statement Sunday morning they were aware of the reports.

VIDEO by Reuters