Militants linked to the self styled ‘Islamic State’ group beheaded a Frenchman abducted in Algeria in a video posted online Yesterday. However, President Francois Hollande vowed France would not give in to blackmail.
Hollande said the “cruel and cowardly” murder of Herve Gourdel would only strengthen France´s resolve to pursue its air war against the “Islamic State” group in Iraq.
The 55-year-old was kidnapped on Sunday by Jund al-Khilifa, or “Soldiers of the Caliphate,” while hiking in a national park that was once a magnet for tourists but later became a sanctuary for Militants.
His beheading followed France´s rejection of the group´s 24-hour ultimatum to halt its air raids in Iraq — part of a US-led campaign against IS.
“France is going through an ordeal through the murder of one of its citizens, but France will never give in to blackmail,” The French President told the UN General Assembly.
“The fight against terrorism must continue and be stepped up.”
US President Barack Obama voiced solidarity with France over the killing, which came after two American journalists and a British air worker were beheaded by IS in similar videotaped executions.
