| Revision as of 06:55, 16 September 2014 editEpeefleche (talk | contribs)Pending changes reviewers150,049 editsm →Steven Sotloff← Previous edit | Revision as of 07:06, 16 September 2014 edit undoBetty Logan (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users, Pending changes reviewers78,452 edits Reverted to revision 625707048 by Epeefleche (talk): Reverted merge; establish a consensus first. (TW)Next edit → | ||
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| {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2014}} | {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2014}} | ||
| {{mergefrom|Jihadi John|date=September 2014}} | |||
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| {{Article for deletion/dated|page=The Beatles (terrorist cell)|timestamp=20140913023319|year=2014|month=September|day=13|substed=yes|help=off}} | {{Article for deletion/dated|page=The Beatles (terrorist cell)|timestamp=20140913023319|year=2014|month=September|day=13|substed=yes|help=off}} | ||
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| | caption = | | caption = | ||
| | dates = | | dates = | ||
| | country = ], in Syria and Iraq | |||
| | countries = Within portions of Syria and Iraq (in the self-declared, unrecognized ]) | |||
| | countries = | |||
| | allegiance = {{flag|ISIS}} | |||
| | allegiance = {{flag|ISIS}} (formerly British) | |||
| | branch = | | branch = | ||
| | type = | | type = | ||
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| | size = 3 | | size = 3 | ||
| | command_structure = | | command_structure = | ||
| | garrison = Syria | | garrison = {{flag|Syria}} | ||
| | garrison_label = | | garrison_label = | ||
| | nickname = The Beatles<ref name="The Beatles terrorist group">{{cite web|title=The Beatles terrorist group|url=http://nypost.com/2014/08/25/father-of-suspected-john-the-beatle-was-an-osama-lieutenant/|publisher=NY POST|accessdate=12 September 2014}}</ref> | | nickname = "The Beatles" <ref name="The Beatles terrorist group">{{cite web|title=The Beatles terrorist group|url=http://nypost.com/2014/08/25/father-of-suspected-john-the-beatle-was-an-osama-lieutenant/|publisher=NY POST|accessdate=12 September 2014}}</ref> | ||
| | patron = | | patron = | ||
| | motto = | | motto = | ||
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| | website = | | website = | ||
| <!-- Commanders --> | <!-- Commanders --> | ||
| | commander1 = ] | | commander1 = ] | ||
| | commander1_label = Ringleader | | commander1_label = Ringleader | ||
| | commander2 = Jihadi George <br> Jihadi Ringo | | commander2 = Jihadi George <br> Jihadi Ringo | ||
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| | aircraft_general = | | aircraft_general = | ||
| }} | }} | ||
| '''The Beatles''', dubbed as such by their former and current hostages because of their British accents, are an active ] (IS) terrorist cell of three members nicknamed |
'''The Beatles''', dubbed as such by their former and current hostages because of their British accents, are an active ] (IS) terrorist cell of three members nicknamed John, Paul, and Ringo by the hostages.<ref>{{cite news|title=British Isis militant in James Foley video 'guards foreign hostages in Syria'|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/20/isis-militant-islamic-state-james-foley-guards-british|accessdate=13 September 2014|work=]|date=20 August 2014|authors=Martin Chulov and Josh Halliday}}</ref><ref>http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/foley-isis-killer-beatle-named-john-report-article-1.1911373</ref> They are responsible for beheadings in Iraq and Syria, most notably the beheadings of American journalists ] and ] and British aid worker ].<ref>http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/james-foley/british-isis-militants-dubbed-beatles-guarded-syria-hostages-n185926</ref><ref>http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/ringo-starr-beatles-isis</ref> | ||
| The Beatles are 3 of an estimated 500 ]s fighting on behalf of Islamic State to impose a caliphate in Syria and Iraq.<ref></ref> The Beatles are reportedly harsher than other Islamic State guards.<ref>http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/james-foley/british-isis-militants-dubbed-beatles-guarded-syria-hostages-n185926</ref> They are the most feared of the jihadists because of their repugnant "taste for the macabre" and their beatings, use of ]s, and ]ing, according to a freed French hostage.<ref></ref> | |||
| ==Cell== | |||
| The Beatles are three of an estimated 500 ]s fighting on behalf of the ] Islamic State to impose a ] in Syria and Iraq.<ref name="Mail Online">{{cite web|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2755749/The-monster-hiding-black-mask-Intelligence-experts-study-new-beheading-video-desperate-hunt-Jihadi-John.html|title=Experts study David Haines beheading video on hunt for Jihadi John - Mail Online|work=Mail Online|accessdate=16 September 2014}}</ref><ref name=dmo-2014-09-14>{{cite news|last1=Drury|first1=Ian|title=The monster hiding behind a black mask: Intelligence experts study new beheading video in desperate hunt for Jihadi John|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2755749/The-monster-hiding-black-mask-Intelligence-experts-study-new-beheading-video-desperate-hunt-Jihadi-John.html|accessdate=15 September 2014|work=]|date=14 September 2014|archive-date=15 September 2014|archive-url=http://www.webcitation.org/6Sc7zHQVn}}</ref> The Beatles are reportedly harsher than other Islamic State guards.<ref name="NBC News"/><ref name=NBC-2014-09-15>{{cite news|title=British ISIS Militants Dubbed 'Beatles' Guarded Syria Hostages|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/james-foley/british-isis-militants-dubbed-beatles-guarded-syria-hostages-n185926|accessdate=15 September 2014|work=]|date=21 August 2014}}</ref> They are the most feared of the jihadists because of their taste for the macabre and their beatings, use of ]s, and ]ing, according to a freed French hostage.<ref name="Mail Online"/> | |||
| ] | |||
| Islamic State fighters are believed to be holding more than 20 foreign hostages.<ref name=bbc-2014-08-20>{{cite news|title=James Foley beheading: Hunt on for 'British' jihadist|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-28876994|accessdate=15 September 2014|work=]|date=20 August 2014}}</ref> | |||
| The jihadist known as "John" has been identified by the British security service ], and appeared in a video as Foley's killer.<ref>http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/09/09/us-british-intelligence-reportedly-identify-foley-beheader-close-to-arresting/</ref> He spoke with a ] in the video, and UK Prime Minister ] said “from what we have seen it looks increasingly likely that it is a ].”<ref>http://nypost.com/2014/08/20/jihadi-who-executed-us-journalist-may-have-been-british-national/</ref> | |||
| A former Islamic State member said that using a British man to carry out the beheadings was likely a deliberate effort by IS to "project the image that a European, or a Western person, executed an American so that they can ... appeal to others outside Syria and make them feel that they belong to the same cause."<ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/in-the-loop/wp/2014/09/05/ringo-starr-displeased-british-isis-torturers-called-the-beatles/</ref> | |||
| === Jihadi John === | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| Islamic State fighters are believed to be holding more than 20 foreign hostages.<ref name=bbc-2014-08-20>{{cite news|title=James Foley beheading: Hunt on for 'British' jihadist|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-28876994|accessdate=15 September 2014|work=]|date=20 August 2014}}</ref> | |||
| {{anchor|John|Jihadi John}}'''"Jihadi John"''' is the ] given by news media to an unidentified member of the ] (IS; previously ISIS or ISIL) known for appearing to be the murderer responsible for several ]. Jihadi John was given his nickname by a group of released hostages who said he was the leader of the terrorist cell called "The Beatles", and handled relations with families of foreign hostages.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hunt for "Jihadi John" continues|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2730336/Find-British-butcher-mask-Jihadi-filmed-beheading-American-journalist-identified-John-Londoner-gang-UK-extremists-known-The-Beatles.html|accessdate=22 August 2014|publisher=DailyMail}}</ref> The nickname was based on ] of the British rock band ], with other members of the cell known as "George" and "Ringo" after Beatles ] and ], as the cell members all had British accents.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Levy|first1=Megan|title=How London rapper L Jinny became Jihadi John, suspected of beheading James Foley|url=http://www.smh.com.au/world/how-london-rapper-l-jinny-became-jihadi-john-suspected-of-beheading-james-foley-20140825-107zdz.html|accessdate=5 September 2014|work=smh.com.au|date=25 August 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ==2014 beheadings== | |||
| The jihadist known as "John" has been identified by the British counter-intelligence and security agency ], and appeared in a beheading video as Foley's killer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/09/09/us-british-intelligence-reportedly-identify-foley-beheader-close-to-arresting/|title=ISIS fighter 'John' was reportedly known to British intelligence for over a year|work=Fox News|accessdate=16 September 2014}}</ref> He spoke with a ] in the video, and UK Prime Minister ] said: “from what we have seen it looks increasingly likely that it is a ].”<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nypost.com/2014/08/20/jihadi-who-executed-us-journalist-may-have-been-british-national/|title=Reporter’s killer a member of British jihadi crew called ‘the Beatles’ - New York Post|date=20 August 2014|work=New York Post|accessdate=16 September 2014}}</ref> | |||
| {{see also|2014 ISIL beheading incidents}} | |||
| ] being held by one of the Beatles towards the end of the ] beheading video]] | |||
| The Beatles beheaded journalists ] and ], as well as humanitarian worker ], in August and September 2014. They had also beheaded two Syrian soldiers. At the end of the Haines beheading video Jihadi John threatens to execute another captive British citizen, humanitarian aid worker ]. | |||
| ==Reactions== | |||
| ====Identification and manhunt==== | |||
| The use of "Beatles" as a nickname for the group elicited a response from ], who stated his disgust at the use of his former band's name in this context, adding that ] had stood for peace and opposed violence.<ref>. ''Dailymail''. Accessed 12 September 2014.</ref> | |||
| Jihadi John became the focus of a manhunt by the ], MI5, and ].<ref name=video/><ref>{{cite news|last1=Sparrow|first1=Andrew|title=PM returns from holiday after video shows US reporter beheaded by Briton|url=http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/aug/20/isis-fighter-beheaded-us-journalist-james-foley-appears-british-hammond|accessdate=20 August 2014|work=]|date=20 August 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fPYZwHmXzI|title=Uncovering James Foley's killer|work=]|date=21 August 2014|accessdate=22 August 2014}}</ref> In his videos, Jihadi John conceals his identity by covering himself from head to toe in black, except for tan desert boots, with a mask that only leaves his eyes visible.<ref name=video/> Despite that, several facts about Jihadi John can be ascertained from both videos. He speaks with a "]" accent,<ref name=video>{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iraq/11044977/Hunt-for-British-Islamic-State-killer-of-US-journalist-James-Foley.html|title=Hunt for 'British' Islamic State killer of US journalist James Foley|work=]|author=Nick Allen and Philip Sherwell|date=20 August 2014|accessdate=20 August 2014}}</ref> and appears to have a skin tone consistent with ] or ] descent.<ref name=rayner/> In both videos, he sports a pistol in a leather ] under his left shoulder, typical of ] people,<ref name=np>{{cite web|url=http://news.nationalpost.com/2014/08/20/hunt-is-on-for-isis-terrorist-video-yields-clues-to-identity-of-american-journalists-left-handed-executioner/|title=Hunt is on for ISIS terrorist: Video yields clues to identity of American journalist’s left-handed executioner|work=]|author=Gordon Rayner, Alastair Beach, Martin Evans, Philip Sherwell|date=20 August 2014|accessdate=3 September 2014}}</ref> but his actions in the videos have led him to be widely considered to be ].<ref name=Fox>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/09/03/video-reportedly-shows-beheading-reporter-steven-sotloff-by-isis/?pid=tradedesk01&aid=tradedesk01&cid=0511td300x250&c=tradedesk01cont1&w=300&h=250&plc=tr\%22|title=White House confirms authenticity of ISIS video showing beheading of reporter|work=]|author=Joshua Rhett Miller|date=3 September 2014|accessdate=3 September 2014}}</ref> | |||
| Other factors that could lead to his identification are his height, general physique, the pattern of veins on the backs of his hands,<ref name=rayner/> and his voice and clothes.<ref name=video/><ref name=rayner/> A team of analysts might use the topography of the landscape in the video to attempt to identify the location.<ref name=rayner>{{cite web|last=Rayner|first=Gordon|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iraq/11047420/Video-clues-that-could-unmask-James-Foleys-murderer.html|title=Video clues that could unmask James Foley's murderer|publisher=Telegraph|date=20 August 2014|accessdate=24 August 2014}}</ref> On 24 August 2014, the ], ], said that Britain was very close to identifying Jihadi John using sophisticated ] technology,<ref>{{cite web|last=Sherwell|first=Philip|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/11053836/Britain-very-close-to-identifying-Jihadi-John-suspected-killer-of-James-Foley-says-ambassador.html|title=Britain 'very close' to identifying 'Jihadi John' – suspected killer of James Foley – says ambassador|publisher=Telegraph|date=24 Augusr 2014|accessdate=24 August 2014}}</ref> but when pressed, refused to disclose any other details.<ref>{{cite web|last=Almasy|first=Steve|url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/08/24/world/meast/isis-james-foley/index.html|title=Britain close to identifying James Foley's killer, ambassador says|publisher=CNN|date=26 August 2014|accessdate=26 August 2014}}</ref> | |||
| On 14 September, David Cameron confirmed that Jihadi John's identity is known, it has yet to be revealed.<ref name="His ID is known, not revealed">{{cite news|title=The British connection to ISIS beheadings|url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/09/14/opinion/bergen-british-connection-isis-beheadings/index.html?hpt=hp_t1|date=14 September 2014 |accessdate=14 September 2014|publisher=CNN}}</ref> | |||
| ====Possible identity==== | |||
| {{see also|United Kingdom and ISIS}} | |||
| On 24 August 2014, it was reported that MI5 and ] (the British Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), which supplies the British Government with foreign intelligence) were investigating three men who left the United Kingdom for Syria to fight with the Islamic State. The ] is ], an amateur ] from ], and the son of Egyptian militant ].<ref name ="beatles">{{cite news|title=London hip-hop artist Abdel-Majed Abdel Bary key suspect in hunt for killer of American journalist James Foley|url=http://www.news.com.au/world/london-hiphop-artist-abdelmajed-abdel-bary-key-suspect-in-hunt-for-killer-of-american-journalist-james-foley/story-fndir2ev-1227034541900|accessdate=24 August 2014|work=news.com.au}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=British rapper, a hacker and jihadi propagandist possible identities of ‘John the Beatle’, suspected killer of US journalist James Foley|url=http://www.news.com.au/world/british-rapper-a-hacker-and-jihadi-propagandist-possible-identities-of-john-the-beatle-suspected-killer-of-us-journalist-james-foley/story-fndir2ev-1227034541900|accessdate=23 August 2014|publisher=News.Au}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/london-rapper-abdelmajed-abdel-bary-investigated-as-police-hunt-for-jihadi-john-9687547.html|title=London rapper Abdel-Majed Abdel Bary investigated as police hunt for 'Jihadi John'|work=Evening Standard|date=23 August 2014|accessdate=24 August 2014}}</ref> Other suspects include Junaid Hussain, a ] from ];<ref name="beatles"/> and Abu Abdullah al-Britani from ].<ref name="beatles"/> | |||
| ==Executions == | |||
| {{see also|2014 ISIS beheading incidents}} | |||
| A former Islamic State member said that using a British man to carry out the beheadings was likely a deliberate effort by IS to "project the image that a European, or a Western person, executed an American so that they can ... appeal to others outside Syria and make them feel that they belong to the same cause."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/in-the-loop/wp/2014/09/05/ringo-starr-displeased-british-isis-torturers-called-the-beatles/|title=Ringo Starr displeased British Islamic State torturers called ‘The Beatles’ - The Washington Post|work=Washington Post|accessdate=16 September 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ===Syrian soldier=== | |||
| In a video posted on ] in May 2014, a man who investigators believe may be Jihadi John is seen in a video killing a Syrian soldier. It shows a soldier loyal to President ] crouching in a field in Syria, then being shot in the back of the head by a man armed with a pistol.<ref>{{cite news|title=James Foley's Murderer May Have Been Spotted In Another Brutal Execution Video|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/james-foleys-murderer-execution-2014-8|accessdate=7 September 2014|publisher=Business Insider (Taken from Telegraph)}}</ref> | |||
| ===James Foley=== | |||
| {{main|James Foley (journalist)}} | |||
| In a video uploaded to ] on 19 August 2014, Foley read a prepared statement criticizing the United States, the recent air strikes in Iraq and his brother who serves in the ].<ref name=rayner/> Jihadi John, wearing a mask, also read a prepared statement in which he criticized America and ] ] and made demands to cease the ].<ref name=rayner/> The masked man then beheaded Foley off-camera, after which he threatened to behead ] if his demands are not met. The ] and ] confirmed that the video, which included footage of Foley's beheaded corpse, is genuine.<ref name=rayner/> | |||
| ===Steven Sotloff=== | |||
| ] being held by Jihadi John at the end of the ] beheading video]] | |||
| {{main|Steven Sotloff}} | |||
| On 2 September 2014, a video was released reportedly showing American journalist ]'s beheading by Jihadi John.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/02/isis-video-steven-sotloff-beheading|title=Isis video purports to show execution of US journalist Steven Sotloff|work=]|author=Paul Lewis|date=2 September 2014|accessdate=2 September 2014}}</ref> The ] confirmed the video's authenticity.<ref name=foxnews>{{cite web |url=http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/09/03/video-reportedly-shows-beheading-reporter-steven-sotloff-by-isis/ |title=White House confirms authenticity of ISIS video showing beheading of reporter |work=] |author=Joshua Rhett Miller/AP |date=3 September 2014 |accessdate=3 September 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ===David Haines=== | |||
| {{main|David Cawthorne Haines}} | |||
| On 13 September 2014, a video, directed at ] ], was released, showing British hostage aid worker ] being murdered by Jihadi John.<ref name="ISIS executes British aid worker David Haines; Cameron vows justice">{{cite news|title=ISIS executes British aid worker David Haines; Cameron vows justice|url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/09/13/world/meast/isis-haines-family-message/index.html?hpt=hp_t1|accessdate=13 September 2014|publisher=CNN}}</ref> | |||
| ===Analysis of beheading videos=== | |||
| ====Official analysis==== | |||
| Officially the ] and ] confirmed that the videos, which ended with footage of beheaded corpses, are genuine.<ref name=rayner/> ] and the ] also confirmed the authenticity of the video showing the death of ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/david-haines-beheading-british-pm-vows-to-hunt-down-those-responsible-1.2765792|title=David Haines beheading: British PM vows to 'hunt down those responsible'|work=]|author=CThe Associated Press|date=14 September 2014}}</ref> | |||
| The videos were produced and distributed by Al Hayat Media Center, a media outlet of IS that is under the authority of the IS's official propaganda arm, the Al-Itisam Establishment for Media Production, that targets specifically Western and non-Arabic speaking audiences.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dw.de/g%C3%BCnther-der-islamische-staat-agiert-hochgradig-rational/a-17866907|title=Der 'Islamische Staat' agiert hochgradig rational|work=]|author=Christoph Günther|date=20 August 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ====Unofficial analysis==== | |||
| An unnamed forensics expert commissioned by '']'' to look at the video said "I think it has been staged. My feeling is that the murder may have happened after the camera was stopped." ''The Times'' concluded that "No one is questioning that the photojournalist was beheaded, but camera trickery and slick post-production techniques appear to have been used."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://failover-www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/uk/article4186089.html|title=Foley video with Briton was staged, experts say|work=]|author=Deborah Haynes|date=25 August 2014|accessdate=27 August 2014}}</ref> Two unnamed video specialists in the '']'' claimed that portions of the video appeared to be staged and edited.<ref name="IBTAustralia">{{cite news|title=James Foley Beheading Video Has Play-Acting Portions – Video Experts Say|url=http://au.ibtimes.com/articles/563629/20140822/james-foley-beheading-video.htm#.U_fkW7GTDK3|date=23 August 2014|accessdate=23 August 2014|publisher=''International Business Times of Australia''}}</ref> Dr. James Alvarez, a British-American hostage negotiator, also claimed the video was "expertly staged".<ref name=rayner/> Jeff Smith, Associate Director of the CU Denver National Center for Media Forensics said “What’s most interesting is that the actual beheading that takes place in the videos, both of them are staged,”<ref>{{cite web|url=http://denver.cbslocal.com/2014/09/03/media-forensics-experts-analyzing-isis-video/|title=Media Forensics Experts Analyzing ISIS Video In Denver « CBS Denver|publisher=|accessdate=15 September 2014}}</ref> | |||
| British analyst ] (Brown Moses) published photographic and video forensic evidence suggesting that the video was taken at a spot in the hills south of the Syrian city of ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.france24.com/fr/20140824-irak-ei-execution-james-foley-jihadi-john-enquete-mi5-mi6-localisation-etat-islamique-raqqa|title=France 24: ''Exécution de James Foley: la traque de "Jihadi John" est lancée''|work=France 24|accessdate=11 September 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://bellingcat.com/resources/case-studies/2014/08/23/the-hills-of-raqqa-geolocating-the-james-foley-video/|title=Bellingcat: ''The Hills of Raqqa – Geolocating the James Foley Video''|publisher=|accessdate=11 September 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/bestoftv/2014/08/25/exp-erin-sciutto-where-was-foley-killed.cnn.html|title=Is this where James Foley was killed?|work=CNN Video|accessdate=11 September 2014}}</ref> | |||
| Jihadi John claims there are more than 20 hostages remaining.<ref name=guardian-chulov>{{cite news|last1=Chulov|first1=Martin|title=Islamic State militants seize four more foreign hostages in Syria|url=http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/aug/20/islamic-state-isis-foreign-hostages-syria-aleppo|accessdate=23 August 2014|publisher=The Guardian|date=20 August 2014}}</ref> Many hostage families choose not to reveal their relatives' names to avoid drawing attention to them and thus compromising their safety.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.yahoo.com/us-says-sotloff-beheading-video-authentic-083130265--politics.html |title=Obama says beheading videos won't intimidate US |work=] |agency=AP |author=Julie Pace |date=3 September 2014 |accessdate=3 September 2014}} Quote: "one is a 26-year-old woman who was kidnapped while doing humanitarian aid work in Syria, according to a family representative who asked that the hostage not be identified out of fear for her safety."</ref> | |||
| ==Reactions == | |||
| {{flag|United States}} - Barack Obama condemned the actions of Jihadi John and vowed punishment for all the militants responsible behind the videotaped beheadings.<ref name=Obama>{{cite web|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/04/world/middleeast/steven-sotloff-isis-execution.html?_r=0|title=After Beheading of Steven Sotloff, Obama Pledges to Punish ISIS|work=]|accessdate=11 September 2014|author=David, Julie Hirschfeld|date=2 September 2014}}</ref> ] ] also called Jihadi John a "coward behind a mask" and, echoing Obama, stated that all those responsible would be held accountable by the United States.<ref name=Obama/> | |||
| {{flag|United Kingdom}} - British officials have also reiterated their commitment to capturing Jihadi John. ], a former UK Security Minister, said that he is a "dead man walking" who will be "hunted down like Osama Bin-Laden".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/terrorism-in-the-uk/11073733/Jihadi-John-is-dead-man-walking-says-former-security-minister.html|title=Jihadi John is 'dead man walking', says former security minister – Telegraph|date=3 September 2014|work=Telegraph.co.uk|accessdate=11 September 2014}}</ref> David Cameron also stated that he was absolutely certain that Jihadi John would "one way or another, face justice".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/terrorism-in-the-uk/11074342/David-Cameron-absolutely-certain-Jihadi-John-will-be-caught.html|title=David Cameron 'absolutely certain Jihadi John will be caught' – Telegraph|date=4 September 2014|work=Telegraph.co.uk|accessdate=11 September 2014}}</ref> | |||
| The use of "Beatles" as a nickname for the group elicited a response from ], who stated his disgust at the use of his former band's name in this context, adding that ] had stood for peace and opposed violence.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2743813/Ringo-Starr-disgusted-ISIS-Brits-nicknamed-The-Beatles-It-s-b-t-They-against-stood-for.html|title=Ringo Starr disgusted by ISIS nickname|work=Mail Online|accessdate=16 September 2014}}</ref> | |||
| ==See also== | |||
| * ] | |||
| * ] | |||
| ==References== | ==References== | ||
| {{ |
{{reflist}} | ||
| {{linkrot|date=September 2014}} | |||
| {{DEFAULTSORT:Beatles (terrorist cell)}} | |||
| {{Portal bar|Middle East|Biography|Terrorism|Iraq|Syria}} | |||
| {{Persondata | |||
| | NAME = Jihadi John | |||
| | ALTERNATIVE NAMES = | |||
| | SHORT DESCRIPTION = Islamic State member | |||
| | DATE OF BIRTH = | |||
| | PLACE OF BIRTH = Unknown | |||
| | DATE OF DEATH = | |||
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Revision as of 07:06, 16 September 2014
 | It has been suggested that Jihadi John be merged into this article. (Discuss) Proposed since September 2014. |
| An editor has nominated this article for deletion. You are welcome to participate in the deletion discussion, which will decide whether or not to retain it.Feel free to improve the article, but do not remove this notice before the discussion is closed. For more information, see the guide to deletion. Find sources: "The Beatles" terrorist cell – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR%5B%5BWikipedia%3AArticles+for+deletion%2FThe+Beatles+%28terrorist+cell%29%5D%5DAFD |
| The Beatles (terrorist cell) | |
|---|---|
| Country | The Islamic State, in Syria and Iraq |
| Allegiance |  ISIS (formerly British) |
| Role | Guards and executioners |
| Size | 3 |
| Garrison/HQ |  Syria |
| Nickname(s) | "The Beatles" |
| Colors | Black |
| Commanders | |
| Ringleader | Jihadi John |
| Members | Jihadi George Jihadi Ringo |
The Beatles, dubbed as such by their former and current hostages because of their British accents, are an active Islamic State (IS) terrorist cell of three members nicknamed John, Paul, and Ringo by the hostages. They are responsible for beheadings in Iraq and Syria, most notably the beheadings of American journalists Steven Joel Sotloff and James Foley and British aid worker David Haines.
The Beatles are 3 of an estimated 500 British Muslims fighting on behalf of Islamic State to impose a caliphate in Syria and Iraq. The Beatles are reportedly harsher than other Islamic State guards. They are the most feared of the jihadists because of their repugnant "taste for the macabre" and their beatings, use of Taser guns, and waterboarding, according to a freed French hostage.
The jihadist known as "John" has been identified by the British security service MI5, and appeared in a video as Foley's killer. He spoke with a British accent in the video, and UK Prime Minister David Cameron said “from what we have seen it looks increasingly likely that it is a British citizen.”
A former Islamic State member said that using a British man to carry out the beheadings was likely a deliberate effort by IS to "project the image that a European, or a Western person, executed an American so that they can ... appeal to others outside Syria and make them feel that they belong to the same cause."
Islamic State fighters are believed to be holding more than 20 foreign hostages.
2014 beheadings
See also: 2014 ISIL beheading incidents
The Beatles beheaded journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff, as well as humanitarian worker David Haines, in August and September 2014. They had also beheaded two Syrian soldiers. At the end of the Haines beheading video Jihadi John threatens to execute another captive British citizen, humanitarian aid worker Alan Henning.
Reactions
The use of "Beatles" as a nickname for the group elicited a response from Ringo Starr, who stated his disgust at the use of his former band's name in this context, adding that the Beatles had stood for peace and opposed violence.
References
- "The Beatles terrorist group". NY POST. Retrieved 12 September 2014.
- "British Isis militant in James Foley video 'guards foreign hostages in Syria'". The Guardian. 20 August 2014. Retrieved 13 September 2014.
{{cite news}}: Unknown parameter|authors=ignored (help) - http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/foley-isis-killer-beatle-named-john-report-article-1.1911373
- http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/james-foley/british-isis-militants-dubbed-beatles-guarded-syria-hostages-n185926
- http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/ringo-starr-beatles-isis
- http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/james-foley/british-isis-militants-dubbed-beatles-guarded-syria-hostages-n185926
- http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/09/09/us-british-intelligence-reportedly-identify-foley-beheader-close-to-arresting/
- http://nypost.com/2014/08/20/jihadi-who-executed-us-journalist-may-have-been-british-national/
- http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/in-the-loop/wp/2014/09/05/ringo-starr-displeased-british-isis-torturers-called-the-beatles/
- "James Foley beheading: Hunt on for 'British' jihadist". BBC News. 20 August 2014. Retrieved 15 September 2014.
- Ringo Starr disgusted by ISIS nickname. Dailymail. Accessed 12 September 2014.
 | This article uses bare URLs, which are uninformative and vulnerable to link rot. Please consider converting them to full citations to ensure the article remains verifiable and maintains a consistent citation style. Several templates and tools are available to assist in formatting, such as reFill (documentation) and Citation bot (documentation). (September 2014) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |