UK intelligence services '99.9 percent' certain they know Jihadi John's real identity

Reports suggest that British intelligence agencies are “99.9 percent” certain they know the true identity of the Islamic State militant responsible for the execution of two American journalists.

The extremist known as ‘Jihadi John’ has appeared in several videos including one in which he taunts US President Barack Obama before killing journalist James Foley.

In a video released earlier this week, the same man can be seen to execute freelance reporter Steven Sotloff and threatening to kill a British aid worker.

British television network ITV have reported that UK intelligence services are almost certain they know Jihadi John’s real identity, however they do not want to make his name public for strategic reasons.

Former head of the British navy Admiral Lord West said this week that Jihadi John was a “dead man walking” and that his role in recent high-profile executions had made him a major priority.

“Islamic State have clearly threatened British citizens and they’ve said they want to attack the UK,” he said.

Jihadi John’s speech prior to the Foley execution was analysed by voice experts, who determined that he spoke with a native east London accent.