Alan Henning Beheaded In Islamic State Video

British aid convoy volunteer Alan Henning has been beheaded by an Islamic State militant in a video posted on the internet.

Mr Henning is seen kneeling in front of a knife-wielding militant in a desert setting before being beheaded in front of the camera.

Prime Minister David Cameron said the murder was "brutal" and revealed "just how barbaric and repulsive these terrorists are".

Mr Henning, a 47-year-old former taxi driver, was captured by militants last December while delivering aid in Syria.

Video: IS Hostage Alan Henning Beheaded

Since then family, friends and colleagues have made repeated calls for him to be released.

However, a video. lasting for one minute and 11 seconds and titled "Another Message To America and Its Allies", was posted on YouTube on Friday evening.

It shows Mr Henning, originally from Eccles in Greater Manchester, kneeling down in front of a man with a knife.

Video: Islamic State: Audio Of Threat

The masked killer, who speaks with a British accent and is believed to be the man responsible for previous beheadings, makes a direct statement to Mr Cameron: "The blood of David Haines was on your hands, Cameron. Alan Henning will also be slaughtered, but his blood is on the hands of the British Parliament."

At the end of the video another hostage - a former US soldier - is paraded in front of the cameras.

The hostage is believed to be Peter Edward Kassig who had returned to the region as a charity worker, after serving in Iraq in 2007.

Video: Terry Waite: Beheading 'Tragic'

The militant in the video says Mr Kassig will be the next victim. 

Mr Cameron said: "The brutal murder of Alan Henning by ISIL shows just how barbaric and repulsive these terrorists are.

"My thoughts and prayers tonight are with Alan's wife Barbara, their children and all those who loved him.

Video: Family Appeals 'Were Last Resort'

"Alan had gone to Syria to help get aid to people of all faiths in their hour of need.

"The fact that he was taken hostage when trying to help others and now murdered demonstrates that there are no limits to the depravity of these ISIL terrorists.

"We will do all we can to hunt down these murderers and bring them to justice."

Video: Alan Henning 'Was Clearly Innocent'

US President Barack Obama condemned the "brutal" murder, saying the United States would bring those responsible to justice.

"Standing together with a broad coalition of allies and partners, we will continue taking decisive action to degrade and ultimately destroy ISIL," he said in a statement.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg wrote on Twitter: "Barbaric actions of ISIL are held in complete contempt. We are resolved to defeat this evil."

Video: 'IS Call To Send Ground Troops'

British Muslims also joined condemnation of the murder as a "despicable and offensive act" which showed IS had "no regard for Islam".

Dr Shuja Shafi, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, said: "Alan was a friend of Muslims, and he will be mourned by Muslims.

"Alan Henning's murderers have clearly gone against that spirit of Islam. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family."

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1. Gallery: Profile: Alan Henning

   Alan Henning, 47, was born in Salford, Greater Manchester. Friends gave him the nickname "gadget" due to his love of technology

2. He was married for 23 years and he had a teenage son and daughter

3. He worked as a self-employed taxi driver

4. Mr Henning saw the plight of Syrian people and volunteered with a Muslim charity. He had been to the region at least three times

5. He drove life-saving medical equipment from the UK to Syria in old ambulances. He left in December 2013 to make the 4,000-mile trip

6. He was kidnapped by IS in Syria by masked men. He may have been held in Ad Dana near Aleppo, then Raqqa

Mr Henning was previously seen at the end of a video released last month following the beheading of fellow British captive David Haines.

Mr Haines' brother, Mike, wrote on Facebook last night: "Tonight saw the death of Alan Henning at the hands of ISIL. Alan like David had a proven history of humanitarian work. Our hearts and prayers go to his family, our love too."

Meanwhile, another video has emerged purportedly showing a wounded Islamic State fighter with a British accent.

Video: Wife Pleaded For Henning's Release

In the video the fighter taunts Mr Cameron and other coalition leaders to send troops on the ground rather than "bomb us from the skies".

The footage has not been authenticated, and it is not clear when or where it was filmed.

:: Full coverage now on Sky News – watch Sky 501, Virgin Media 602, Freesat 202, Freeview 132.

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IS Threatens To Kill American Hostage Next

By Dominic Waghorn, US Correspondent

Islamic State (IS) has threatened to kill American hostage Peter Kassig next, after releasing a video showing the murder of British aid convoy volunteer Alan Henning.

The former soldier appeared at the end of a YouTube clip which showed the killing of Mr Henning by IS, which is also known as ISIS or ISIL.

An IS fighter says in the video: "Obama, you have started your aerial bombardment in Sham. So it's only right we continue to strike the necks of your people."

Speaking after the video was released, President Barack Obama said: "The United States strongly condemns the brutal murder of United Kingdom citizen Alan Henning by the terrorist group ISIL.

"Mr Henning worked to help improve the lives of the Syrian people and his death is a great loss for them, for his family and the people of the United Kingdom.

"Standing together with our UK friends and allies, we will work to bring the perpetrators of Alan's murder - as well as the murders of Jim Foley, Steven Sotloff and David Haines - to justice.

Peter Kassig set up his own charity to deliver aid to Syrians

"Standing together with a broad coalition of allies and partners, we will continue taking decisive action to degrade and ultimately destroy ISIL."

Lisa Monaco, Homeland Security adviser to the White House, described Mr Henning's murder as "yet another clear example of the brutality of this group", which has previously killed two American journalists - James Foley and Steven Sotloff.

Video: IS Hostage Alan Henning Beheaded

Mr Kassig, who is in his mid-20s and from Indiana, went to the region to volunteer in hospitals in Lebanon after serving in Iraq.

After spending time in Lebanon, Mr Kassig then set up his own charity to deliver aid to Syrians - Special Emergency Response and Assistance (SERA).

Mr Kassig was undertaking a project for SERA when he was detained on 1 October 2013 on his way to Deir Ezzour in eastern Syria.

His family say that Mr Kassig has converted to Islam since being captured and has taken on the first name Abdul-Rahman.

Former hostages have told them that his faith has given him comfort in captivity.

Video: Terry Waite: Beheading 'Tragic'

In a statement his parents, Ed and Paula Kassig, said: "The Kassig family extends our concern for the family of Alan Henning.

"We have read about his work and his generous character with great respect and admiration.

"We ask everyone around the world to pray for the Henning family, for our son, and for the release of all innocent people being held hostage in the Middle East and around the globe."

SERA has suspended operations while efforts continue to secure Mr Kassig's release.

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Hong Kong Leader Rejects Call To Stand Down

Hong Kong's leader has said his top official will meet protest leaders in a last-minute olive branch to avoid protesters taking over government offices.

Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters have taken over central Hong Kong streets since the weekend in the so-called "umbrella revolution".

The demonstrators had warned they would occupy buildings if Chief Executive CY Leung did not step down by 5pm BST on Thursday.

A few minutes before the deadline, Mr Leung told the media he would not be quitting and warned of serious repercussions if protesters followed through with their threat.

"In any place in the world, if there are any protesters that surround, attack, or occupy government buildings like police headquarters, or the chief executive's office ... the consequences are serious," he said.

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1. Gallery: Hong Kong Protest Deadline Passes

   Protesters had warned they would occupy government buildings if Hong Kong's leader did not step down by 5pm BST on Thursday

2. Thousands had gathered outside his office to hear his last-minute news conference

3. CY Leung avoided potential clashes by offering talks between his government and pro-democracy protesters - but he refused to quit

4. Joshua Wong, leader of the student pro-democracy group scholarism, speaks to the crowds after the chief executive's speech

5. Demonstrators are angry over plans that will see them having to choose their leader from among approved Communist candidates. Continue on for more pictures

6. A protester holds an umbrella to protect the police from rain during a confrontation outside the legislative government complex

7. A pro-democracy demonstrator holds a placard

8. As the sun comes up, a protester reads a book at a sit-in blocking the entrance to the Chief Executive's office

9. Protesters sleep next to a barricade blocking the entrance to the office

10. Pro-democracy demonstrators recycle plastic bottles at a collection point in Hong Kong

11. A man jogs past plastic bottles collected by demonstrators

12. People look at messages of support displayed on a wall outside the government headquarters

14. Hong Kong police stand guard as protesters confront them outside the legislative government complex

16. Student protesters sleep as the stand-off continues

19. A man stands near umbrellas, which have become the symbol of this protest

But Mr Leung said his top civil servant, Chief Secretary Carrie Lam, would hold talks with protesters to discuss "constitutional development".

"I hope both sides will be satisfied," said Ms Lam.

"Students had wanted a public meeting but I hope that we can have some flexibility to discuss details."

The Hong Kong Federation of Students agreed to join the talks, focused specifically on political reforms.

They reiterated that Mr Leung resign, saying he "had lost his integrity".

Occupy Central, a wider pro-democracy group that had joined the protests, also welcomed the talks and also insisted that Mr Leung quit.

Video: Hong Kong: One Country, Two Systems

The protesters have been railing against plans that will force them to choose their leader from among approved communist loyalists in 2017.

Tensions were high ahead of Mr Leung's last-minute news conference after police had earlier been seen carrying what appeared to be supplies of rubber bullets and riot gear.

Police used tear gas and baton charges when the protests began last weekend.

Demonstrators - most of them students or young people - have taken to carrying umbrellas and wearing goggles and plastic macs as makeshift protection against another gas attack.

So far, however, the protests clogging the centre of Hong Kong have been mainly peaceful.

Sky News Correspondent Jonathan Samuels, at the scene, said thousands had gathered outside Mr Leung's office to hear his statement.

Video: How Protesters Use Social Media

Despite the leader refusing calls to step down, Samuels said the atmosphere remained calm with chanting but no signs of trouble.

"It seems to have brought both sides a little more time," said Samuels.

David Cameron told Sky News he is "deeply concerned" about the situation in the former British colony, which was handed back to China in 1997.

China has issued a stern warning to other countries not to meddle in its affairs.

Hong Kong now operates under Beijing's control using the principle of "one country, two systems".

People in the bustling financial centre are allowed far more freedom than those on the Chinese mainland, such as the right to demonstrate.

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China May Be Using App To Spy On Protesters

A US security firm has claimed the Chinese government may be using smartphone apps to spy on pro-democracy protestors in Hong Kong.

The applications – disguised as tools created by activists – reportedly give an outside access to the phone's address book, call logs and other information.

Lacoon Mobile Security said the identities of the victims and the servers used "lead us to believe that the Chinese government are behind the attack".

The Chinese government has always denied carrying out cyber-espionage and insists it is one of the biggest victims of hacking attacks.

Lacoon said two similar "malicious and fake" apps were discovered – one targets Apple's iOS operating system, while the other targets Google's Android system.

Video: Hong Kong: One Country, Two Systems

It said the two apps appear to be related. Cross-platform attacks such as this are rare.

The company added that the "very advanced software" is "undoubtedly being backed by a nation state".

China is regarded as a leader in cyber warfare research.

Video: Hong Kong Protests: Chat App Is Key

In May, prosecutors in the US charged five Chinese military officers with cyberspying and stealing trade secrets from major American companies.

Meanwhile security firm Mandiant said last year it traced attacks on American companies to a military unit in Shanghai.

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RAF Tornados Hit IS With Fresh Airstrikes

By Tom Parmenter, RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus

British jets have hit more Islamic State targets in Iraq as calls grow for strikes against the group's Syrian strongholds.

A third round of aerial raids were carried out over northwest Iraq with RAF Tornado jets carrying out a "precision" strike on IS fighters who were fighting Kurdish troops.

The airstrike used Paveway IV guided bombs and initial reports indicated the attack was successful, said the Ministry of Defence.

Earlier, a second round of raids took place overnight west of Baghdad as Tornados worked to support Iraqi forces below.

The latest airstrikes were carried out by RAF Tornados based in Cyprus

The Tornado crews identified a suspected IS command and control position and fired four Brimstone missiles at two vehicles - one of which was an armed pick-up truck.

The Tornados landed safely at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus before dawn.

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1. Gallery: The Moment RAF Jet Attacks IS Truck

   The RAF has carried out its first airstrikes against Islamic State targets in Iraq. (All pictures: MoD)

2. Tornados destroyed a heavy weapon position, which was attacking Kurdish forces, and an armed pick-up truck (pictured). The red circle shows the path of the missile fired at the vehicle

3. The strikes were the first since MPs voted to support aerial raids in Iraq last Friday

4. The targets were in the northwest of Iraq

5. The moment the truck, which had a mounted machine gun, was destroyed by a Brimstone missile

6. A plume of smoke rose above the area

7. The strike was successful, according to an initial assessment, said Defence Secretary Michael Fallon

8. The Tornados safely returned to their base at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus after the sortie

9. Six of the GR4 fighter jets are based on the island in the Mediterranean

10. The aircraft began their combat missions on Saturday

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "Initial analysis indicates that the strikes were successful."

RAF fighter jets took out a heavy weapon position and another armed truck on Tuesday - the first airstrikes of the UK military campaign.

The MoD released footage of the raids in support of Kurdish troops who were being attacked by IS insurgents in the northwest of the country.

Video: Tornado Returns From Strike Mission

The Brimstone missiles are often used to hit moving targets such as vehicles and cost around £105,000 each.

Five Brimstones have now been deployed so far, along with several Paveway bombs, which costs around £22,000.

Unlike the first strikes, the MoD said images of the latest attack would not immediately be released.

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1. Gallery: RAF Tornados Pictured In Mission Over Iraq

   RAF Tornado GR4s were pictured over Iraq as they began their armed combat mission in support of Operation Shader

2. The images were taken as the Tornados were being refuelled in mid-air by a RAF Voyager aircraft

3. The Ministry of Defence says the Tornados are now flying daily over northern Iraq

4. They are supporting the US military in its efforts to target Islamic State militants

5. The RAF carried out two sorties over Iraq on Saturday

6. In both missions the fighter bombers did not use their weapons

7. But the Ministry of Defence said "invaluable intelligence" had been gathered using the planes' surveillance equipment

8. Click on to see more photos of the Tornados in action...

Security has been stepped up across Cyprus now British airstrikes have begun from RAF Akrotiri and security teams have been making checks outside the base itself.

The UK is supporting Iraqi and Kurdish forces battling Sunni Muslim extremists from IS, also known as ISIL and ISIS, which has taken over large parts of Iraq in recent months.

Despite IS also seizing territory in Syria, a vote in Parliament last Friday did not include the authorisation of airstrikes over the country.

Video: IS Threat: Baghdad 'Crisis Point'

But speaking at a fringe meeting at the Conservative conference in Birmingham, Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith said Cabinet ministers believe strikes against Syrian targets will also be necessary.

"I believe ultimately that is exactly what we will have to do ... The Prime Minister believes that. He said as much in his speech," he said.

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Countdown For Hong Kong Protest Ultimatum

The clock is counting down on Hong Kong protesters' ultimatum for the territory's leader to quit or face the occupation of government buildings.

Hong Kong chief executive CY Leung has been given until the end of Thursday (local time) to step down or face a significant escalation in the standoff.

Around 200 people gathered outside his office in the early hours of Thursday as 50 police officers stood guard from behind metal barriers.

An occupation of buildings would mark a new stage in the protesters' peaceful sit-in, raising fears that police could again use tear gas to keep control.

China appears to be slowly losing patience with the protesters' refusal to budge from the streets since late last week.

A large crowd closed streets outside China's London embassy

Communist Party-run newspaper People's Daily has warned of "unimaginable consequences" if activists ignore calls to go home.

State TV, meanwhile, has urged protesters to support authorities efforts to "deploy police enforcement decisively" and "restore the social order in Hong Kong as soon as possible".

Video: Hong Kong Protests: Chat App Is Key

The demonstrators involved in the so-called "umbrella revolution" are railing against an order which means they will have to choose their leader, or chief executive, from among Communist loyalists chosen by Beijing.

Mr Leung has reportedly said he is willing to let the protests continue for weeks if necessary - but has refused to resign.

The chief executive was booed and heckled by hundreds of people on Wednesday as he arrived for a flag-raising event to mark China's National Day. People turned their back as the ceremony began.

Protester numbers swelled into the tens of thousands on the public holiday as many more people joined the student-dominated crowds.

A network of food and drink supply stations has formed as protests seemingly dig-in for the long haul.

Video: Hong Kong: One Country, Two Systems

Many are equipped with goggles, umbrellas and plastic macs, fearing that police may again resort to tear gas and baton charges, as they did at the weekend.

US Secretary of State John Kerry said he had "high hopes" authorities would use restraint, while the David Cameron told Sky News he was "deeply concerned" about the situation in the former British colony.

China has issued a stern warning to other countries not to meddle in its affairs.

"The Chinese government has very firmly and clearly stated its position. Hong Kong affairs are China's internal affairs," Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi told Mr Kerry ahead of talks.

"All countries should respect China's sovereignty and this is a basic principle of governing international relations."

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1. Gallery: Peaceful Protests In Hong Kong

   Student protesters shine lights as they chant pro-democracy slogans on the streets in Hong Kong

2. Thousands of pro-democracy supporters continue to occupy the streets surrounding Hong Kong's financial district

3. Protest leaders have set a deadline for 1 October for their demands to be met and are calling for open elections and the resignation of Hong Kong's Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying

4. The demonstrators have demanded full universal suffrage after Beijing said it would allow elections for the semi-autonomous city's next leader in 2017 but would vet the candidates, a decision branded a "fake democracy"

5. Pro-democracy demonstrators check their smartphones in the central district

6. Protesters let an ambulance go through the crowd

7. Some walk past the People's Liberation Army Garrison headquarters

8. Student protesters sleep on the streets

9. A protester covers her mouth with tape that reads "democracy"

10. A pro-democracy protester argues with a pro-Beijing demonstrator

11. Buses covered with messages of support stop at a main street at Mongkok shopping district

12. People look at messages left on a stranded bus by pro-democracy protestors

13. Hong Kong students create protest signs

14. Student pro-democracy group Scholarism organiser Joshua Wong (C) makes a gesture at the flag-raising Ceremony in Golden Bauhinia Square as part of China's National Day celebrations

15. Protesters rest on the street with placards outside the Hong Kong government complex

16. A Hong Kong student catches up with his school work during a quiet moment at the protest site

17. Protesters join hands during the National Day flag-raising ceremony attended by Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying

18. A pro-democracy protester (R) makes a gesture as a pro-Bejing supporter speaks to the public at a rally in Causeway Bay

19. Pro-democracy demonstrators gather near a ceremony marking China's 65th National Day

20. A sign announces that an Infiniti car dealership is closed temporarily "due to social unrest"

21. Hong Kong residents provide musical entertainment at the protest site

22. Umbrellas, which have come to symbolise the so-called 'Umbrella Revolution' of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, are hung up together next to the central government offices

23. A woman stands in front of a water distribution point

24. An "Umbrella Movement" sign is seen outside the Hong Kong Government Complex

25. Protesters look at placards on a fence outside the Hong Kong government complex

26. A couple take wedding photogtaphs in front of protesters

27. Demonstrators relaxing on the streets

28. Hong Kong student protesters help with the clean up recycling of the garbage during a quiet moment at the protest site

29. People walk through a highway tunnel barricaded off to traffic by pro-democracy protestors

30. Demonstrators chant slogans as they gather near National day festivities

31. People walk through the empty streets, where double decker buses and taxis usually drive by, near the venue for the National Day flag-raising ceremony

32. A Hong Kong student catches up with his school work during a quiet moment

33. Policemen stand guard as helicopters fly by displaying the Hong Kong (L) and Chinese national flag (R), near a ceremony marking China's National Day

34. A father stands next to his son as he shouts pro-democracy slogans

35. Demonstrators display placards

36. A student protester sleeps under umbrellas

37. A pro-democracy demonstrator stretches at a protest site

Protesters also forced roads to be closed outside the Chinese embassy in London on Wednesday as a large crowd gathered peacefully to express their solidarity.

Around 5,000 people also massed in Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, a renegade province in the eyes of China's government.

Meanwhile, efforts to apparently to keep the protests hidden from people on the mainland have seen social media blackouts.

Photo-sharing site Instagram has been blocked in China since Sunday.

And Weibo - China's version of Twitter - is filtering out search terms like Occupy Central as authorities tighten their usual controls on internet activity.

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Syrian Opposition In The Dark Over US Airstrikes

By Sherine Tadros, Middle East Correspondent

The head of the Free Syrian Army has told Sky News there has been no co-operation between his fighters and the US-led coalition launching airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) targets.

FSA chief of staff General Abdul-ilah Al Bashir said the first he heard of military intervention was from his own fighters on the ground and international media reports.

"They didn't let us know and didn't co-ordinate with us, even until now. As an armed force we haven't been briefed," he said.

He also warned airstrikes alone would not defeat militants from IS, also known as ISIS, and urged the US to increase training and arming of FSA fighters.

He explained: "As revolutionaries we have fighters who are ready and well-trained, but what we need are weapons to defeat terrorism.

"ISIS won't be defeated unless there's co-ordination between the Free Syrian Army and coalition forces because there's no way airstrikes can defeat fighters on the ground."

Free Syrian Army fighters on the frontline

Despite US President Barack Obama reiterating his willingness to train and arm "moderate" opposition groups in Syria, General Al Bashir said his fighters still need more support from the international community and added he has not got any indication of arms or training on their way.

The first week of military operations in Syria has seen hundreds of missiles fired by coalition jets and dozens of locations targeted, but General Al Bashir said so far airstrikes have failed to have a significant impact on IS.

He said: "In terms of the strikes against ISIS, these were concentrated on oil refineries and ISIS headquarters.  A very limited number of fighters were killed as a result."

The general also questioned the US strategy in Syria, saying FSA-controlled towns were also hit.

"That led to demonstrations and anger among the Syrian people because they weren't hitting the regime which is the cause of terrorism," he said.

His main message to the West is that IS launched a ground war in Iraq and Syria and nothing short of a ground war will ultimately destroy the group.

For General Al Bashir, the simple answer is to arm the FSA. But it is a fractured organisation and there is no simple solution to defeating IS.

Meanwhile, a new propaganda video has been released which shows the British hostage John Cantlie.

Speaking to the camera and seemingly under duress, Mr Cantlie describes himself as a "long-term prisoner of the Islamic State".

Dressed in an orange jumpsuit, he speaks for more than five minutes about the US strategy to fight IS.

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RAF Airstrikes: Cypriots Urged Not To Panic

RAF Airstrikes Wait As Intelligence Is Key

Updated: 3:16pm UK, Monday 29 September 2014

As I write this, RAF Tornados have completed four armed missions over northern Iraq and are currently engaged in a fifth.

They have managed more than 12 hours of flying time in the theatre of operations since Friday's Parliamentary vote, hunting for Islamic State (IS) convoys, hideouts and strongholds. 

And yet, the Tornados haven't dropped a single bomb or fired a single missile. Should we be surprised? Not necessarily.

Privately I know military chiefs and senior politicians are slightly dismayed that the British haven't managed their first strikes on IS, but they acknowledge that it proves their pre-emptive warning that this will be a slow conflict with much patience required.

"Intelligence, intelligence, intelligence," is how analyst put it to me this morning. "That is the key to this battle, intelligence."

He is spot on.

The UK has its Rivet Joint aircraft flying out of Al-Udeid airbase in Qatar. It vacuums up communications data from 30-odd thousand feet. Telephone conversations, email traffic, text messages.

The US has at least eight drones monitoring patterns of life. These can stay up in the air for many hours, watching a single spot if necessary.

IS have been smacked around a bit this past week and they're changing their tactics, minimising their exposure.

For all the technology in the sky, nothing beats eyes on the ground. Local knowledge.

The person who quietly points out the farmhouse down a track, an IS bomb-making factory. The source that passes on details of militants' movements. This is the aim: the local population working against the occupying insurgency.

But the local population needs to be convinced that the coalition, which they can barely see up in the skies above them, is the right side to be on.

They need to be sure the airstrikes will work. If they don't, the IS reprisals will be unforgiving.

Too many times, in this part of the world, has the West promised to defend the people only to leave them at the mercy of the enemy.

In 1991, after American and British missiles pummelled Saddam's Iraq for weeks, President Bush encouraged the Iraqi people to rise up and overthrow the government themselves.

Rise up they did, expecting the support of US fighter jets. Instead Iraqi helicopter gunships came for them. Some 60,000 Iraqis were killed; two million Kurds fled to Turkey and Iran.

Last year the United States, UK and France promised airstrikes against the Assad regime. They never came.

In the aftermath of that fateful vote in the House of Commons, we have talked much about the damage that night did to Washington-London relations. It was nothing compared to the loss of trust between anti-Assad forces and the West.

What will they now make of these airstrikes which, if anything, are helping Assad?

We mock the abject failure of the Iraqi army to protect its country against the march of ISIS, but in truth they were never going to succeed. They just weren't welcome in many of the towns and cities they sought to defend.

The widespread Sunni hatred of the Maliki government kept them out.

They were weak - yes, too weak for an army that has received billions of dollars in equipment and training from Washington. Their capitulation was a failure of politics as much as it was one of military.

My colleague Stuart Ramsay writes today about the Peshmerga's inability to re-take Mosul, despite their will to do so.

The truth is that at the moment there is a dramatic mis-match between the modern warplanes dropping precision missiles and the poorly armed, inadequate armies on the ground.

The two need to work together, if this is going to work at all. 

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Hong Kong Protesters Defy Rubber Bullet Fears

By Mark Stone, Asia Correspondent, in Hong Kong

Thousands of pro-democracy protesters have ignored calls from organisers to leave the streets of Hong Kong over fears police could use rubber bullets to disperse them.

Police fired tear gas on Sunday to try to clear a road that was blocked by thousands of demonstrators.

The activists fled several hundred metres down Harcourt Road in the government district amid chaotic scenes, with protesters screaming "shame" at officers.

But many protesters came right back to continue their protests in the Admiralty area - and they're still stubbornly refusing to leave.

Protesters are angry at Chinese interference in the island's politics

Thousands of protesters are still camped out around the government complex and some have erected barricades - but the situation is calm.

Hong Kong's chief executive Leung Chun-ying appealed for the protesters to go home and dismissed speculation that the Chinese army might intervene.

He said: "I hope the public will keep calm. Don't be misled by the rumours. Police will strive to maintain social order, including ensuring smooth traffic and ensuring the public safety. When they carry out their duties, they will use their maximum discretion."

Protesters wear goggles and plastic wrap to protect against pepper spray

But in a statement today, the movement called Occupy Central called on Mr Leung to resign and said his "non-response to the people's demands has driven Hong Kong into a crisis of disorder".

The statement added that the protest was now "a spontaneous movement" of all Hong Kong people.

On Sunday, several scuffles broke out between riot police and demonstrators who were angered by the use of tear gas, which is rare in Hong Kong.

An elderly woman was seen being carried away by protesters.

Thousands have gathered in the Admiralty area of Hong Kong Island

Police had also used hand-held pepper spray aimed at dispersing the activists - but without success - and they warned greater force could be carried out.

The movement to occupy central Hong Kong, in protest at China's interference in the former British colony, had begun three days ahead of schedule on Sunday.

The leader of Occupy Central, Benny Tai, had planned to bring the heart of Hong Kong to a standstill this coming Wednesday - National Day.

But he has taken advantage of a separate student protest which has been gathering pace since last week.

The Chinese flag flying upside down

Although Occupy Central and the student protests are separate movements, their motivation is the same.

They are calling for the Chinese central government to stop interfering with Hong Kong politics.

They want China to allow the people of Hong Kong to choose their own leaders: one person, one vote.

Police say they have arrested over 70 people during the protests

On Saturday, more than 60 of the student protesters were arrested after they entered a government area.

Last month, the Communist Party's top political body ruled on changes to the political system in the territory, once a British colony but now a semi-autonomous part of China.

The ruling said that while Hong Kongers could choose their next leader, or Chief Executive, in 2017, they must select from candidates picked by Beijing.

The chosen candidates must declare their "love" for China and its Communist system.

The activists are refusing to back down in the standoff

Political protests are banned across mainland China but under the agreement of the 1997 handover from Britain to China, Hong Kong was given autonomy.

That autonomy allows Hong Kong an independent legal and political framework: 'one country, two systems'.

Under this agreement, protests can take place in Hong Kong.

However, in the 17 years since the handover, there has never been such a large call for the central government in Beijing to back off.

The city's stock exchange insisted it would continue to operate as normal but the Hong Kong Monetary Authority said 17 banks have been forced to close 29 branches across the city.

Standard Chartered, HSBC Holdings, Bank of East Asia, the Bank of China and CITIC are among those who said their operations have been affected by the protests.

Reports suggest that over 30 people have suffered minor injuries over the past few days in clashes with the authorities.

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Ex-IS Fighter: Airstrikes Won't Stop Militants

By Sherine Tadros, Middle East Correspondent

For tens of thousands of Syrians, the Kilis border crossing is the official way in and out of Turkey from Syria.

But if you're an Islamic State fighter, Kilis is not an option.

Abu Mustafa (not his real name) is a Syrian people smuggler. He says he's helped hundreds of IS fighters get into Syria.

He's also brought militants - some of them injured - back out.

He took us to the spot where the smuggling happens, he says, several times a day and it didn't take long to see it in action.  

We waited on the side of the road barely 10 minutes before we saw a white car speed across the open field towards the border.

The Kilis border crossing is the official way into Syria from Turkey

The car stopped halfway there and six men got out each holding a big bag. The car sped off and the men headed towards the fence.

We couldn't tell if they were fighters or Syrians without passports, but they were illegally crossing into Syria.

Moments later, more people appeared at the border. It looked like a family including a woman and child.

This time the military police saw them and chased one man, possibly the smuggler, along the fence. 

And the reward for taking such a risk? Abu Mustafa charges just £15 per fighter.

He said: "Last time they caught three people there were seven in total trying to get across among them Turks and Arabs.

A people smuggler talks to Sky's Sherine Tadros

"But the three that got caught were foreigners. They spoke English and the police took them away.

"They often cross with their families - their wives and children. They tell us we're coming to fight with Islamic State and live there.

"Some of them don't even know where exactly they're going, they just say, we are going to the Islamic State."

It's a common story. Abu Ahmed fought with IS for 10 months in north-western Syria.

We met him in Turkey where he agreed to speak with us as long as we covered his face and changed his name.

He joined IS at the start because they were the most effective force fighting Syrian President Bashar al Assad.

A car speeds across an open field towards the Turkey-Syria border

But when they turned against the Free Syrian Army (FSA) he left the group.

He explained why so many foreign fighters join the group.

"They go to Syria to be martyred, they say their former lives are over and there is no going back. Most of them rip up and throw away their passports when they arrive."

Abu Ahmed also thinks US-led airstrikes against IS are backfiring, bringing extremist groups closer together.

"After the recent strikes, more fighters are joining IS - like the Nusra Front. I know some of them who have joined," he said.

Abu Ahmed doesn't have much hope for Syria's future, or his own.

He thinks the situation is out of hand and too many players have a vested interest in keeping the war going.

"What will happen next?" he said. "Only God knows."

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Abu Qatada Says He's Forgotten About Britain

Timeline: Qatada Legal Battle

Updated: 10:35am UK, Wednesday 24 September 2014

Abu Qatada challenged and ultimately thwarted every attempt by the Government to detain and deport him for many years.

Here is a timeline of the legal battle.

1993: Abu Qatada claims asylum when he arrives in Britain on a forged passport.

1994: Allowed to stay in Britain.

1995: Issues a "fatwa" justifying the killing of converts from Islam, their wives and children in Algeria.

1998: Applies for indefinite leave to remain in Britain.

1999: April - Convicted in his absence on terror charges in Jordan and sentenced to life imprisonment.

October - Speaks in London advocating the killing of Jews and praising attacks on Americans.

2001: February - Arrested by anti-terror police over involvement in a plot to bomb Strasbourg Christmas market. Officers find him with £170,000 in cash, including £805 in an envelope marked "For the mujahedin in Chechnya".

December - Becomes one of Britain's most wanted men after going on the run from his home in west London.

2002: Arrested by police in a council house in south London and detained in Belmarsh high-security jail.

2005: Freed on conditional bail and placed on a control order but arrested again in August under immigration rules as the Government seeks to deport him to Jordan.

2008: April: Court of Appeal rules deportation would breach his human rights because evidence used against him in Jordan might have been obtained through torture.

May - Granted bail by the immigration tribunal but told he must stay inside for 22 hours a day.

June - Released from Long Lartin jail in Worcestershire and moves into a four-bedroom house in west London.

November - He is rearrested after the Home Office tells an immigration hearing of fears he plans to abscond.

December - Qatada's bail is revoked by the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (Siac) after hearing secret evidence that the risk of him absconding has increased.

2009: Five Law Lords unanimously back the Government's policy of removing terror suspects from Britain on the basis of assurances from foreign governments and it is ruled he can be deported to Jordan to face a retrial on the terror charges.

He is awarded 2,800 euro (£2,500) compensation by the European Court of Human Rights after the judges rule that his detention without trial in the UK under anti-terrorism powers breached his human rights.

2012: January - European judges rule he can be sent to Jordan with diplomatic assurances but not while "there remains a real risk that evidence obtained by torture will be used against him".

February - He is released on strict bail conditions.

April - Rearrested as the Government prepares to deport him after Jordan gives assurances it will "bend over backwards" to ensure he receives a fair trial.

March - Qatada's legal team loses its bid to have the case heard by the Europe's human rights judges, clearing the way for deportation proceedings to continue.

May and August - Siac rejects Qatada's applications for bail.

October - Siac holds appeal hearing.

November - His appeal is granted and he is granted bail.

December - Qatada is moved to a larger residence in the greater London area.

2013: March 9 - It emerges Qatada has been arrested for allegedly breaching his bail conditions. He is ordered to stay in custody and sent to Belmarsh.

March 21 - Police reveal the cleric is being investigated over extremist material.

March 27 - Home Secretary Theresa May loses her appeal over Siac's decision to allow Qatada to stay in the UK. The Home Office vows to appeal.

April 17 - The Home Office formally announces that it is seeking leave from the Court of Appeal to take the case to the Supreme Court.

April 22 - The Court of Appeal refuses permission to go to the Supreme Court, forcing the Home Office to appeal directly to the highest court in the land.

April 23 - Theresa May tells MPs she has signed a new treaty with Jordan that should pave the way to deportation, but warns it might take "many months".

May 10 - Qatada's barrister says he will go back to Jordan voluntarily if the treaty on the use of evidence obtained by torture, guaranteeing he will not be tortured, is ratified by the Jordanian parliament.

May 20 - Qatada is refused bail by the Special Immigrations Appeals Commission after "jihadist material" is found on a computer memory stick.

July 2 - The new treaty between Jordan and Britain is fully ratified, sparking claims Qatada could be on a plane within days.

July 3 - A Jordanian government official tells AFP the cleric is due back on Sunday.

July 7 - Flown from RAF Northolt to Jordan

December 10: Pleads not guilty to terrorism charges at a state security court in the Jordanian capital, Amman.

2014: June 26 - Acquitted of conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism over 1998 bomb plots allegations.

September 24 - Acquitted over plot to target Western tourists over the New Year in Jordan in 2000.

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Jordanians Fear IS Backlash After Airstrikes

By Tom Rayner, Middle East Reporter, in Amman

Jordan's involvement in the US-led airstrikes against Islamic State targets has led to growing concerns in the country of a potential backlash.

Reports of IS banners in areas like the eastern city of Ma'an have fuelled fears of destabilisation by a force wreaking havoc in neighbouring Syria and Iraq.

The installation of a public siren system in parts of capital Amman, days after Jordan confirmed it had carried out strikes, sparked panic on social media.

Fears the alert system was an indicator of an imminent retaliation forced authorities to reassure the public the installations were part of a long-planned programme.

Authorities say installation of new sirens are no cause for panic

Brigadier General Fareed Shariah of the Jordanian Civil Defence Authority said the sirens were part of a "comprehensive system for exceptional situations".

"We can use it to deliver all kinds of audio messages, to warn people of snow, floods or even terrorist attacks - any incident that could harm the Jordanian people," Mr Shariah said.

Information Minister Mohammed Momani also took to state television to dismiss rumours that US and French citizens were warned to avoid malls in the capital.

He said the revised travel advice notices simply called for "heightened vigilance".

Amman's tolerant atmosphere is a contrast to some areas of Jordan where more conservative attitudes prevail.

Asile Moussa says she believes airstrikes are the 'right thing to do'

The fact that it has been the target of terrorist attacks in the past, means some residents are wary it could be targeted once again.

Murad Faouri, a doctor in the city, said he believed Jordan's involvement in airstrikes made it an "obvious" focus for a potential backlash.

"We are more exposed now, to more attacks, because we just tried to attack Da'ash [Islamic State], so it's obvious they will now just be thinking how they can hit us back," he said.

However, Asile Moussa, an architecture student, said she backed her government.

"It's a good thing. After all, we're fighting terrorism, around the globe. It's attacking us now, it's near to our borders, so therefore I believe it's the right thing to do," she said.

Freed radical preacher Abu Qatada may influence opinions in Jordan

But it is not just the chaos in neighbouring Iraq and Syria that threatens the country's long-term stability.

Jordan's domestic Salafist Muslim community could also play a role in destabilisation, through its sympathies with jihadist movements.

The recent release from Jordanian prisons of radical preachers Abu Qatada and Abu Mohammed al Maqdisi may come to have a significant bearing on events.

Both have issued condemnations of IS which could stunt growth of support for the group.

But they also bitterly condemn the US-led coalition of which Jordan is a part, and support the al Qaeda-affiliated rebel group Jahbat al Nusra, fighting in Syria.

If they choose to voice their opposition to the airstrikes, more loudly than their opposition to Islamic State, their influence could yet disrupt the balance in Jordan.

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