Prisoner Swap to Save Hostages? Jordan May Release Convicted 'Would-be Suicide Bomber' for Japanese Christian, and Jordanian Pilot Held by ISIS

News Staff : Jan 28, 2015
CBN News

Kenji Goto—a devout Christian journalist—went to Iraq with hope of rescuing his captured Japanese colleague.

[CBN News]—The nation of Jordan says it's ready to trade a terrorist prisoner for a Jordanian pilot being held by ISIS. (Video via CBN News)

The Islamic State had threatened to kill both Jordanian pilot Lt. Muath al-Kaseasbeh and Japanese journalist Kenji Goto unless Jordan agreed to release a female terrorist, Sajida al-Rishawi. Al-Rishawi was sentenced to death for her involvement with al Qaeda in a deadly 2005 terrorist attack.

The mother of the Japanese hostage made an emotional appeal to leaders early Wednesday.

"Please save Kenji's life," Junko Ishido said. "Kenji has only a little time left."

The deadline to meet ISIS' demands is Wednesday night Japan time.

ISIS has threatened Europe and the United States in several videos. In one video of an apparent beheading of a Kurdish soldier, the ISIS fighters specifically threatened President Barack Obama. (Screenshot/CNN)

"Know, oh Obama, that will reach America," one of the fighters said. "Know also that we will cut off your head in the White House, and transform America into a Muslim Province.

"And this is my message to France and to its sister, Belgium," he added. "We advise you that we will come to you with car bombs and explosive charges, and will cut off your heads."