IS' new propaganda video says West in for 'horrible surprise' if it wages war against it

The Islamic State (IS) has reportedly released a fourth video featuring British hostage John Cantlie delivering a message that warns the west against being rushed into a war that it cannot win.

Wearing the familiar orange jumpsuit akin to prisoners in Guantanamo Bay, Cantlie warned anyone hoping to get a "nice neat surgical operation" without getting their hands dirty will be in for a "horrible surprise" once it gets underway, reported The Guardian.

He said that the IS has been "dug in for the fight" in a seven-minute video released on Sunday.

The 43-year-old also described the execution of his fellow captives Steven Sotloff and aid worker Alan Henning as a "win win" for IS. He added that if the executions provoked public outcry or a change in policy then it was a huge victory. Also, if the killings compelled the western nations to drop more bombs and spend millions of dollars, making the countries weak in the process, then that was a victory too.

The British journalist appears to be delivering the message under duress and reading from a prepared script.

The video release followed the publication of a magazine by the IS called, Dabiq.

Cantlie was kidnapped for a second time 22 months ago while working as a freelance photojournalist in the country. He has been held for almost two years.