Federica Mogherini, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Christos Stylianides, Commisioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, condemned the murder of a US aid worker and a number of Syrians, vowing that the EU would spare no effort to bring to justice all perpetrators of human rights abuses and tackle the threat posed by ISIL and other terrorist organisations in Syria and Iraq.

“The brutal murder of US aid worker Peter Kassig and a number of Syrians who were reportedly soldiers is another illustration of ISIL/Da’esh’s resolve to pursue its terror agenda, in breach of all universally recognized values and rights,” Mogherin and Stylianides said in a joint statement.

“Our deepest condolences go to the family and colleagues of Peter Kassig, who had gone to Syria to help the people affected by this war, as well as to the families of the Syrian victims,” the statement said.

“All perpetrators of human rights abuses must be held accountable. The EU will spare no effort towards this objective.

“We remain fully committed to tackle the threat posed by ISIL/Da’esh and other terrorist organisations in Syria and Iraq, alongside our regional and international partners,” Mogherini and Stylianides said.