Vietnam strongly condemns barbaric inhumane acts targeting innocent civilians and supports efforts by the international community to combat terrorism in any form.

Foreign Ministry’s Deputy Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang responded to questions about Vietnam’s view on the self-claimed Islamic State members taking two Japanese nationals hostage during a regular press briefing in Hanoi on January 22.

She said Vietnam also endorses the fight against extremist violence on the basis of the United Nations Charter, respecting the fundamental rights and principles of international law on independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of countries concerned and ensuring the safety of civilians.

An Islamic State member threatened in an online video message on January 20 to kill Haruna Yukawa and Kenji Goto unless Japan pays 200 million USD in 72 hours.-VNA