The father of American journalist James Foley who was beheaded by Islamic militants says his son was a 'martyr for freedom.'

The family spoke to reporters outside their Rochester, New Hampshire home.

"It's horrific. I mean people can die in lots of different ways but this way was the most horrific and it haunts me how much pain he was in and how cruel this manner of execution is," said his father, John Foley.

U.S. President Barack Obama on Wednesday condemned the beheading of Foley.

The video posted by Islamic State militants showing the beheading of Foley, prompted widespread revulsion that analysts say could push Western powers into further action against the group.

The video, titled "A Message To America," also showed images of another U.S. journalist, Steven Sotloff, whose future Islamic State says now depends on how the United States acts in Iraq.

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