New message believed to be from Japanese hostage posted online: report   

ISIS再發新威脅 日本人質稱只剩24小時

美國視頻網站YouTube于27日出現疑是極端組織“伊斯蘭國”(ISIS)發布的新威脅，圖像顯示日本人質后藤健二手持被俘的約旦飛行員卡薩斯貝的照片，稱自己“只剩24小時”，而留給約旦飛行員的時間更短。[查看全文]

A new video showing a likely image of Japanese hostage Kenji Goto, together with an audio statement have been posted on the internet and the Japanese government is now verifying them, local media reported late Tuesday.

In the audio message, a man who claimed to be Goto claimed the swift release of Sajida al-Rishawa, who is being held on death row in a Jordanian prison for her part in the terror attacks on three hotels in Amman in 2005.

"I've been told this is my last message, and I've been told that the barrier obstructing my freedom is now just the Jordanian government delaying the handover of Sajida," the voice said, according to Japan's Kyodo News Agency.

The message also said: "I only have 24 hours left to live."

A Japanese government sources said it is aware of the statement, adding it was likely posted by the hostage-taker, namely the Islamic State (IS) militant group. According to local media, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga will meet press shortly following the new message.