Parents of captured US aid worker post video plea

The parents of American aid worker Peter Kassig, who has been captured by "Islamic State" terrorists and threatened with execution, have posted a video message pleading with the Islamists for their son's release.

"We implore his captors to show mercy and use their power to let our son go," Peter's father Ed Kassig said in the video message. "Please know that we are all praying for you and your safe return," Kassig's mother Paula said.

"Most of all know that we love you and our hearts ache for you to be granted your freedom so that we can hug you again, and then set you free to continue the life you have chosen, the life of service to those in greatest need," Kassig's mother said.

On Friday night, IS militants posted a video showing the killing of 47-year-old British aid worker Alan Henning. Kassig is also threatened in the video.

Kassig's parents say in the video that their son Peter has led a life devoted to helping others and humanitarian causes.

"When he saw the suffering of the Syrian people he went to Turkey and founded an organization to provide aid and assistance," Kassig's father said. "He grew to love and admire the Syrian people and felt at home there."

Kassig's father said that his son's journey culminated in him converting to Islam, and that he does not have control over the actions of the US government.

"We would ask our government to change its actions, but like our son, we have no more control over the US government, than you have over the breaking of dawn," Kassig said.

IS has warned that attacks on hostages will continue as long as airstrikes against the militant group continue.

bw/rc