WASHINGTON (AP) — Militants with the Islamic State extremist group have beheaded American journalist James Foley and are threatening to kill another hostage in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes in northern Iraq.

The White House must now weigh the risks of adopting an aggressive policy to destroy the Islamic State against resisting any action that could result in the death of another American.

U.S. officials confirmed a grisly video released Tuesday showing Islamic State militants beheading Foley. Separately, Foley's family confirmed his death on Facebook, saying they "have never been prouder of him."

The video also shows a second man identified as American journalist Steven Sotloff, and warns he could be the next captive killed.

President Barack Obama was expected to make a statement Wednesday about Foley's killing.

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