Japanese officials: Hostage negotiations with ISIS are 'deadlocked'

Japanese and Jordanian officials are struggling to secure the release of two nationals being held by Islamic State militants, but they say negotiations are "deadlocked," Reuters reports.

"We can't predict (what will happen) at all," Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida said on Saturday. "While preparing for every situation, I want to make every effort for Mr. Goto's release."

ISIS militants have threatened to kill Japanese journalist Kenji Goto, along with Jordanian pilot Muath al-Kasaesbeh. They said the latter would be spared if Jordan released would-be suicide bomber Sajida al-Rishawi, who is currently being held on death row in Amman.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up