In September 2015, ISIS demanded ransoms in exchange for two foreign hostages.
However, their home countries have thus far refused to pay.
Kidnappings by terrorist groups are an unfortunately common occurrence in the Middle East.
So, why do terrorists kidnap so many people?
Well, reports indicate that ISIS has hundreds of hostages from around the world.
Between 2008 and 2014, terrorist groups reportedly received as much as $125 million dollars in
ransom payments.
Sources report that Western hostages are worth up to $2 million dollars each .
However, many countries, the United States in particular, refuse to pay for the return
of their citizens.
White House officials have argued that paying ransoms only encourages more kidnappings.
In fact, until this policy was relaxed in June 2015, victim’s families could be criminally
prosecuted for organizing ransom payments.
But terrorists don’t just kidnap to make money.
ISIS can make up to $3 million dollars a day selling oil, essentially dwarfing its ransom-income.
Kidnapping victims, especially from local areas, are often used as slaves or in sex
trafficking.
Many recent accounts indicate that Yazidi women, belonging to an oppressed Iraqi minority,
are often kidnapped to be sold into sexual slavery.
Perhaps most importantly, the practice of kidnapping helps terrorist groups display
their ruthlessness.
ISIS has become known for using hostage execution videos as a method of spreading fear and intimidation.
Many countries have issued travel alerts warning for dangerous regions like Syria, Iraq and
Afghanistan.
In these countries there may be no embassies to help visitors, and much higher chances
of being kidnapped.
Unfortunately, kidnappings by terrorist groups are likely to continue despite efforts by
Western nations.
The effectiveness of using hostages for financial or ideological gain makes them easy, and lucrative
targets.
The whole topic of terrorist ransom brings up an ethical question: SHOULD we negotiate
with terrorists?
Seeker Daily explores that question in this video.
Thanks for watching!
Don’t forget to like and subscribe to TestTube News.
We’ll see you next time!