Islamic State Video Demands $200M from Japan for Hostage Exchange

The Islamic State terror organization has released a threatening video that warns two Japanese hostages may be executed if demands of the terror group are not met.

The video, uploaded to one the terror group's social media pages, shows a black clothing-clad suspect threatening the camera with a knife. Behind the alleged terrorist are two Japanese hostages in orange clothing, believed to be Haruna Yukawa and Kenji Goto, two men who traveled to Syria to set up an independent military contracting company.

In the video, the Islamic State terrorist blasts Japan for offering its support to combatting the Islamic State. The terrorist demands $200 million from Japan in exchange for the two hostages.

"To the prime minister of Japan: Although you are more than 8,500 km away from the Islamic State, you willingly have volunteered to take part in this crusade," the militant said, speaking in English.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe condemned the recent video, saying that Japanese officials are working to independently verify the footage.

Abe added that he was "indignant" and felt "strong resentment" at the threats of the terror group, adding that his country has made the lives of the hostages his "top priority." Abe added that his country will not cave to terrorism.

"Extremism and Islam are completely different things," the prime minister said, adding: "The international community will not give in to any form of terrorism and we have to make sure that we work together."

Abe is currently in the Middle East on a six-day visit, but the country's leader is expected to cancel the remainder of his trip and return home to assist in freeing the hostages.