Here is look at foreign hostages believed held by the Islamic State group and some of those who have been released, reportedly in exchange for ransom payments:
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JOHN CANTLIE: British photojournalist who appeared in several Islamic State propaganda videos delivering statements, purportedly from the Syrian border town of Kobani and the Iraqi city of Mosul, likely under duress. He was kidnapped with American journalist James Foley in November 2012. An Islamic State group militant beheaded Foley last August.
In this Nov. 11, 2012 file photo, freelance British photojournalist John Cantlie poses with a Free Syrian Army rebel in Aleppo, Syria. (AP Photo, File)
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French President Francois Hollande, third from left, speaks upon arrivals of released French hostages, from left, Didier Francois, Edouard Elias, Nicolas Henin and Pierre Torres, at the Villacoublay military airbase, outside Paris, Sunday, April 20, 2014. (AP Photo/Jacques Brinon)
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JAVIER ESPINOSA, RICARDO GARCIA VILANOVA and MARC MARGINEDAS: Spanish journalists released in March after being held hostage for months.
Spanish reporters Javier Espinosa, right, and Ricardo Garcia Vilanova, left, poses upon his arrival at the military airbase in Torrejon de Ardoz, Madrid, Spain, Sunday, March 30, 2014. (AP Photo/Pool)
