daesh group threatened to kill two Japanese hostages unless they receive $200 million in 72 hours, directly demanding the ransom Tuesday from Japan’s premier during his visit to the Middle East. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe vowed to save the men, saying: « Their lives are the top priority. »
Speaking in Tokyo, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga also declined to say whether Japan would pay the ransom.
« If true, the act of threat in exchange of people’s lives is unforgivable and we feel strong indignation, » Suga told journalists. « We will make our utmost effort to win their release as soon as possible.