Video purportedly shows ISIS beheading U.S. journalist; White House, family react



(CNN) -- A video released by ISIS purportedly shows the beheading of American journalist James Foley, who disappeared in November 2012 in Syria.



The video posted on YouTube contained a message to the United States to end its military operations in Iraq.

In a statement issued Tuesday night, Foley's mom praised her son.

"We have never been prouder of our son Jim. He gave his life trying to expose the world to the suffering of the Syrian people," she said in a post on the Free James Foley Facebook page.

"We implore the kidnappers to spare the lives of the remaining hostages. Like Jim, they are innocents. They have no control over American government policy in Iraq, Syria or anywhere in the world."