Islamic State hostage’s family hopeful she’s still alive

The parents of a 26-year-old American aid worker who Islamic State extremists say was killed in an airstrike in Syria said in a statement addressed to group leaders that the claim of their daughter’s death concerned them but they were still hopeful she was alive. The Islamic State group said on Friday that Kayla Jean Mueller of Prescott, Arizona, (pic, above) died in a Jordanian airstrike, but the government of Jordan dismissed the statement as propaganda. The U.S. said it had not seen any evidence to corroborate the report.

You (Islamic State) told us that you treated Kayla as your guest, as your guest her safety and well-being remains your responsibility.

Family of U.S. hostage Kayla Mueller

Mueller is the only known remaining U.S. hostage held by the Islamic State group. She was taken hostage in August 2013 while leaving a hospital in Syria. Her parents and a few close friends kept Mueller’s situation a closely guarded secret to ensure her safety. Since her identity was publicized Friday, they have stayed out of public view but released a short statement addressed to Islamic State. Mueller is an aid worker who previously volunteered with organizations in India, Israel and the Palestinian territories.

This thing, it’s time to have an ending. It’s time to bring Kayla home to her parents and her family.

Todd Geiler, family friend of the Muellers

World Kayla Mueller