New Islamic State beheading video shows 'hints of desperation', says analyst

The latest beheading video released by the Islamic State (IS) featuring American hostage Peter Kassig, shows the terror group lashing out in fury "like a wounded animal" and exposes hints of "desperation," analysts said.

Haras Rafiq of the Quiliam Foundation, an anti-extremist think tank, said that as the US-led coalition makes gains against the IS, the group will try to show that they are still strong and just as barbaric as they have been. He added that this will also mean that the videos released by the terror outfit will become more and more barbaric, reported the CNN.

Rafiq said that the video was a sign that the IS knows that they are under attack and are struggling.

The video was released on Sunday and showed the aftermath of a beheading in which the victim was not clearly recognizable. The White House confirmed that the victim was Kassig.

The 26-year-old converted to Islam in captivity. He had gone to the Middle East as a US soldier but returned as a medical worker.