The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belgium Didier Reynders is outraged by the disgusting murder of American hostage  Kassig by the terrorist and extremist organisation “Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant “(ISIL). The Minister extends his condolences to the family and friends of this aid worker who has done so much for civilians in Syria and the region, just like the British Allan Henning and David Haines who suffered the same fate on 4 October and 14 September. Furthermore, the Minister’s thoughts go to the families of the numerous Syrian prisoners who were executed as well. He also remembers the American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff who were killed because they fought for our freedom of expression and our right to information.

The organisation ISIL commits gross violations of human rights on a daily basis and will be held accountable for its crimes. Belgium joined the international coalition to weaken the terrorist organisation on demand and in support of the Iraqi authorities. Didier Reynders praises the action of the Belgian armed forces in this regard. He reaffirms Belgium’s determination in the fight against terrorism and jihadists.