IS Video Purports To Show Beheading Of Egyptian Christians

February 15, 2015

The Islamic State (IS) group released a video on February 15 that purports to show the militants beheading 21 Egyptian Christians kidnapped in Libya.

The Egyptians, handcuffed and dressed in orange jumpsuits, were beheaded after being forced down on the ground.

The Christian guest workers were kidnapped in Sirte in northern Libya by IS militants based in the area, in two raids in December and January. 

Thousands of Egyptians have travelled to neighboring Libya in search of jobs despite advice from their government not to go to one of the most dangerous countries in the region.

Egypt offered to evacuate its citizens from Libya after IS militants released pictures showing the 21 kidnapped workers paraded in orange jumpsuits on February 13. 

Based on reporting by Reuters, dpa, and AFP