James Foley's Parents: 'Very Small Solace' That 'Jihadi John' May Be Dead
ROCHESTER, NH (CBS) – The coordinated terror attacks in Paris came after a U.S. mission to take out the ISIS militant known as "Jihadi John."
He is the man who allegedly beheaded New Hampshire journalist James Foley.
Foley's parents say news that the terrorist has been taken out provides "very small solace" and the news out of Paris makes the situation even more troubling.
"It's just a somber time with the bombing in Paris and the bombing continuing in Syria," Diane Foley said Friday night. "My fear is that this violence begets more violence."
James Foley, a freelance journalist, was held captive for two years before he was publicly beheaded. Since his death, his grief-stricken parents have become critical of the U.S. government's handling of hostages.
"It's sort of like a publicity campaign," John Foley said of the mission to kill Jihadi John.
A U.S. official told CBS News Friday that they were "pretty goddam certain" the terrorist was killed as he got into a vehicle in the Syrian city of Raqqa.
"To me it's just sad," Diane Foley said. "It's not going to end anything."
And if their son were alive, they say, he'd say the same.
"He would want justice for all the people who are dying, the kids who have no parents who are suffering," John Foley said. "Give me a break. Jihadi John is nothing. You know, he is zip. Absolutely zip."
The Foleys say if as much effort was made to find and rescue the hostages, they might be alive today.
Earlier in the day, they posted a statement on the website for the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation, which advocates for the release of Americans kidnapped abroad.
Here is the full statement:
"It is a very small solace to learn that Jihadi John may have been killed by the U.S. government.
"His death does not bring Jim back. If only so much effort had been given to finding and rescuing Jim and the other hostages who were subsequently murdered by ISIS, they might be alive today.
"Our focus is on Jim's life and all the good that he did in the world. We remain humble and proud of his unwavering commitment to give voice to the voiceless as a journalist, a teacher and a friend.
"As we continue to honor Jim's life, we are grateful to the thousands of people who supported Jim throughout his captivity and who continue to support his legacy today through The James W. Foley Legacy Foundation.
"The Foundation is committed to defending the rights of every American citizen by advocating for the safe release of Americans kidnapped abroad, advancing safety measures for freelance journalists in conflict zones, and providing underprivileged youth with access to education."
