Abe vows to 'make IS pay' for Japanese hostages' beheading

Japan has vowed to make the Islamic State (IS) pay for the killing of hostages Kenji Goto and Haruna Yukawa by cooperating with the international community involved in the fight against the terror group.

Japan, which has not been directly involved in the military campaign against the IS, reaffirmed its support for the U.S.-led coalition with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pledging to "never forgive the terrorists," reported The Independent.

A visibly upset Abe expressed indignation over the "immoral and heinous act of terrorism" after a video purporting to show the beheading of Goto appeared online.

He said that he felt "speechless" at the grief of Goto's family and added that the government had been doing its utmost to win his release.

The further threats issued by the IS prompted the government to heighten security measures at airports and overseas facilities.

Goto's execution has been strongly condemned by the United Kingdom, United States and Jordanian governments.