Sunday, 26 October 2014

12 must-try Sri Lankan foods






For fish ambul thiyal, a large firm fish, such as tuna, is cut into cubes before being sauteed in a blend of spices and dried goraka, a small fruit that gives the dish a sour flavor.For fish ambul thiyal, a large firm fish, such as tuna, is cut into cubes before being sauteed in a blend of spices and dried goraka, a small fruit that gives the dish a sour flavor.

A common household dish throughout Sri Lanka, there are many variations of kukul mas curry (chicken curry), depending on region and taste preferences.A common household dish throughout Sri Lanka, there are many variations of kukul mas curry (chicken curry), depending on region and taste preferences.

Parippu, or dhal curry, is the most common curry in all of Sri Lankan cuisine, a staple in any restaurant or household.Parippu, or dhal curry, is the most common curry in all of Sri Lankan cuisine, a staple in any restaurant or household.

Polos is a Sri Lankan curry prepared with young green jackfruit. It has a starchy texture, similar to cassava or potato. Polos is a Sri Lankan curry prepared with young green jackfruit. It has a starchy texture, similar to cassava or potato.

Take a bite of the caramelized wambatu moju and the soft and juicy texture of the eggplant should melt in your mouth -- the slightly sweet, sour and salty contrast is sensational. Take a bite of the caramelized wambatu moju and the soft and juicy texture of the eggplant should melt in your mouth -- the slightly sweet, sour and salty contrast is sensational.

Fresh and crisp gotu kola sambol is a mix of shredded Asiatic pennywort with shallots, tomatoes, grated coconut and chili. Fresh and crisp gotu kola sambol is a mix of shredded Asiatic pennywort with shallots, tomatoes, grated coconut and chili.

Kottu is Sri Lanka's hamburger -- everybody's favorite go-to fast food when craving something tasty and greasy. Kottu is Sri Lanka's hamburger -- everybody's favorite go-to fast food when craving something tasty and greasy.

Kiribath is a special type of rice, cooked with thick coconut milk until it's creamy and sticky. It's served in slices, like cake.Kiribath is a special type of rice, cooked with thick coconut milk until it's creamy and sticky. It's served in slices, like cake.

One of the most common ways to garnish kiribath is with lunu miris, a sambol chili sauce ground into a paste.One of the most common ways to garnish kiribath is with lunu miris, a sambol chili sauce ground into a paste.

Lamprais is a combination of the Dutch words for "lump" and "rice." It's a packet of meat, rice and sambol chili sauce wrapped and steamed in a banana leaf.Lamprais is a combination of the Dutch words for "lump" and "rice." It's a packet of meat, rice and sambol chili sauce wrapped and steamed in a banana leaf.

A street food favorite is the egg hopper. Similar to a crepe or pancake, hopper batter is spread thinly over a wok with an egg cracked into the bottom.A street food favorite is the egg hopper. Similar to a crepe or pancake, hopper batter is spread thinly over a wok with an egg cracked into the bottom.

Pol sambol, also known as coconut relish, is a side dish of finely grated coconut with seasoning and Maldive fish served diced or grounded. Pol sambol, also known as coconut relish, is a side dish of finely grated coconut with seasoning and Maldive fish served diced or grounded.

The wood apple is a Southeast Asian fruit about the size of a de-husked coconut. It has a hard shell with a pungent, almost blue cheese aroma. The wood apple is a Southeast Asian fruit about the size of a de-husked coconut. It has a hard shell with a pungent, almost blue cheese aroma.

One of the most popular ways to serve wood apple is as a thick smoothie, which has a unique sour and sweet flavor.One of the most popular ways to serve wood apple is as a thick smoothie, which has a unique sour and sweet flavor.








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  • Sri Lankan cuisine features an abundance of tropical fruit and fresh seafood

  • Sour fish curry, chicken curry and curry with green jackfruit are must-try dishes

  • Hoppers are Sri Lanka's bowl-shaped pancakes. A beloved variety is topped with an egg




(CNN) -- The Teardrop of India or Pearl of the Indian Ocean are among many nicknames for Sri Lanka.


But a more accurate description of the gorgeous nation might be the Island of Rice and Curry.


Making liberal use of local fruit, such as coconut and jackfruit, seafood and an arsenal of spices, Sri Lankan cooking delivers an abundance of incredible dishes.


Here are some you shouldn't miss.


1. Fish ambul thiyal (sour fish curry)


As you'd expect from an island in the Indian Ocean, seafood plays an important role in Sri Lankan cuisine.


Fish ambul thiyal (sour fish curry) is one of the most beloved varieties of the many different fish curries available.


The fish -- usually something large and firm, such as tuna -- is cut into cubes, then sauteed in a blend of spices including black pepper, cinnamon, turmeric, garlic, pandan leaves and curry leaves.


Perhaps the most important ingredient is dried goraka, a small fruit responsible for giving the fish a sour flavor.


Ambul thiyal is a dry curry dish, meaning all the ingredients are simmered with a small amount of water and cooked until the liquid reduces. This allows the spice mixture to coat each cube of fish.


Originating in southern Sri Lanka, it's available throughout the country at restaurants that serve curry, and is best eaten with rice.


MORE: Destination Sri Lanka


2. Kottu (also, kottu roti)


Over the traffic and noise at a Sri Lankan market, you'll likely hear the clanking of metal on metal and know kottu isn't far away.


Kottu is Sri Lanka's hamburger -- everybody's favorite go-to fast food when craving something tasty and greasy.


It resembles fried rice, except instead of rice, it's made with a type of roti known as godamba roti (a flat, crispy bread).


The roti is normally fried at the beginning of the day, piled into stacks and served as it's ordered.


When you place an order, the kottu chef will fry and chop the roti with a selection of ingredients you choose.


The result is a tasty mixture of salty pieces of fried dough, lightly spiced and extremely comforting.


Kottu is served with spicy curry sauce, which you can either use as a dip or pour over your entire plate.


Some of the most skilled kottu chefs compose their own unique songs, singing while they rhythmically clank their spatula and knives against the metal frying surface, slicing the roti with each clank.




Sri Lanka has many variations of chicken curry.

Sri Lanka has many variations of chicken curry.



3. Kukul mas curry (chicken curry)


Simple to make, chicken curry is a common household dish in Sri Lanka.


There are many variations depending on region and taste preferences.


Spices like fennel seeds, cardamom, cloves and cinnamon sticks are tempered in hot oil before being combined with chicken and spices like chili powder, curry powder, turmeric, pandan leaves, lemongrass and curry leaves.


Coconut milk contributes to the rich base of the curry gravy. Depending on the recipe, a puree of tomato is often included.


The chicken is stewed for an hour or so until the essence of the spices is infused into the chicken.


Most satisfying when served with hot rice and roti.


4. Parippu (dhal curry)


Parippu, or dhal curry, is the most common curry in all of Sri Lankan cuisine, a staple in any restaurant or household.


Masoor dhal (split red lentils) are first rinsed and boiled until soft.


In a separate pan, a number of fresh ingredients, such as onions, tomatoes and fresh green chilies, are sauteed and mixed with tempered spices like cumin seeds, turmeric, fenugreek, mustard seeds and curry leaves.


All the ingredients are combined and usually thickened with a splash of fresh coconut milk to give the dhal a rich flavor and creamy texture.


It goes with everything, but is perfect as a dipping gravy for a fresh roti or paratha.


MORE: 5 ways to experience the best of Sri Lanka


5. Lamprais


Sri Lanka has been influenced by a diversity of cultures and one of the most evident is the Dutch Burgher community.


Lamprais, a word that combines the two Dutch words for "lump" and "rice," is a combination of meat, rice and sambol chili sauce, wrapped into a banana leaf packet and steamed.


The rice is cooked with meat stock -- usually a combination of different meats like beef, pork or lamb -- that's infused with cardamom, clove and cinnamon.


A scoop of rice is placed in the center of a banana leaf, along with the mixed meat curry, two frikkadels (Dutch-style beef balls), blachan (a shrimp paste) and a starch or vegetable, usually either ash plantain or brinjals.


The package is folded into a parcel and steamed.


Since lamprais is a Burgher contribution to Sri Lankan cuisine, the meat is usually prepared with sweet spices like clove and cinnamon, recreating the flavor favored by the Dutch Burgher community.


Original recipes called for beef, pork and lamb, but chicken and eggs are often included in a modern lamprais packet.




Egg hopper, Sri Lanka\'s version of an \

Egg hopper, Sri Lanka's version of an "egg in the hole."



6. Hoppers (appa or appam) and string hoppers (indi appa or idiyappam)


Hoppers are the Sri Lankan answer to the pancake.


The batter is made from a slightly fermented concoction of rice flour, coconut milk, sometimes coconut water and a hint of sugar.


A ladle of batter is fried in a small wok and swirled around to even it out.


Hoppers can be sweet or savory, but one of the local favorites is egg hoppers. An egg is cracked into the bowl-shaped pancake, creating the Sri Lankan version of an "egg in the hole."


Egg hoppers are garnished with lunu miris, a sambol of onions, chilies, lemon juice and salt.


Unlike the runny batter used for hoppers, string hoppers are made from a much thicker dough.


The dough is squeezed through a string hopper maker, like a pasta press, to create thin strands of noodles, which are steamed.


String hoppers are normally eaten for breakfast or dinner with curries.


7. Polos (green jackfruit curry)


Jackfruit is consumed in a number of different stages of ripeness, from very ripe and sweet to green and starchy.


Polos is a Sri Lankan curry prepared with young green jackfruit.


The fruit is sliced into bite-sized chunks and boiled until soft.


It's then cooked with onions, garlic, ginger and spices like mustard seeds, turmeric, chili powder, roasted curry powder, pandan leaves and curry leaf sprigs.


The final step is to add coconut milk and simmer to reduce most of the liquid, leaving all the beautiful flavors within the cubes of jackfruit.


Jackfruit has a starchy texture, somewhat similar to cassava or potato.


Polos is a standard dish available at most Sri Lankan curry restaurants.


MORE: 6 sophisticated Sri Lanka hotels


8. Wambatu moju (eggplant/brinjals pickle)


Served mostly with rice and curries, wambatu moju is an extremely flavorful candied eggplant (brinjals) pickle.


The eggplant -- usually the purple-skinned, long and slender variety -- is cut into bite-sized wedges and deep fried, giving the eggplant a crispy texture with a soft and silky interior.


It's then caramelized with a spoon of sugar, vinegar, red onions, green chilies, mustard seeds, chili powder and a hint of turmeric powder until the color turns almost black.


Take a bite and the soft and juicy texture of the eggplant should melt in your mouth -- the slightly sweet, sour and salty contrast is absolutely sensational.




Gotu kola, or Asiatic pennywort, is a popular medicinal herb.

Gotu kola, or Asiatic pennywort, is a popular medicinal herb.



9. Gotu kola sambol (pennywort salad)


One of the most readily available green vegetable dishes in Sri Lanka is gotu kola sambol.


Gotu kola (known in English as Asiatic pennywort) is a medicinal herb in Asia.


It's shredded into slivers, then combined with shallots, tomatoes, fresh grated coconut and chili and seasoned with a dressing of salt, pepper and lemon juice.


Sambol is a term used in Sri Lanka for ingredients that are combined and eaten raw, sometimes more of a chili sauce and sometimes more of a salad, like gotu kola sambol.


Gotu kola has a powerful, herbaceous flavor similar to kale, making it an extremely fresh and crisp dish.


It's typically a side dish served with curry and rice.


10. Kiribath with lunu miris


Kiribath is a special type of rice, cooked with thick coconut milk and often served during special or auspicious occasions, such as Sinhalese New Year.


There are a few versions of kiribath, but the basic procedure is to start by boiling a pot of rice.


Before the rice finishes cooking, add coconut milk and a pinch of salt. The coconut milk makes the rice creamy and rich and helps it form a sticky consistency.


Once the rice is finished cooking, it's cut into wedges and served like slices of cake.


Kiribath can be eaten along with a number of different Sri Lankan dishes, often either sweetened with jaggery or consumed salty with chili sauce or curry.


One of the most common ways to garnish kiribath is with lunu miris, a sambol chili sauce made from red chilies, onions, lemon juice, salt and sometimes dry Maldive fish, all ground into a paste using a stone mortar and pestle.


11. Pol Sambol (coconut relish)


In a country in which the coconut is of supreme importance, there's one Sri Lankan side dish that pays fitting tribute.


Pol sambol, which might also be called fresh coconut relish, is a simple blend of finely grated coconut, red onions, dried whole chilies or chili powder, lime juice, salt and Maldive fish (if available).


The ingredients are diced or ground, then combined in a bowl.


In Sri Lanka, pol sambol is used as a garnish or side dish for everything and anything.


It goes well with rice and curry, pol roti (coconut roti), a hot paratha, string hoppers or even just scooped up with slices of bread.


If you love coconut, there's no better garnish in the world.


MORE: Sri Lanka's top tea experiences: Sips of history


12. Wood apple


It wouldn't be a Sri Lankan food discussion without wood apple.


The wood apple is a Southeast Asian fruit about the size of a de-husked coconut. It also has just as hard of a shell, and a pungent, almost blue cheese aroma.


Walking through a market in Sri Lanka your nose will detect it long before your eyes do.


Inside the shell is a dark brown paste that resembles something between tamarind pulp and fermented raisins.


Wood apple can be eaten directly out of the shell, but one of the most popular ways to eat (or drink) it throughout Sri Lanka is in a thick smoothie, known as wood apple juice.


The fruit is blended with jaggery (or sugar) and water to smooth it out.


It has a unique sour and sweet flavor.


Mention that you love wood apple to any Sri Lankan you meet, and they probably won't be able to hold back a knowing smile.



Report: ISIS hostages tortured





  • The New York Times reports that ISIS tortured its captives before beheading them

  • James Foley was singled out for particularly harsh treatment, according to the Times

  • Some European hostages have been released by ISIS




(CNN) -- In the moments before his death, American James Foley stares into the camera, head held high, after being forced to read a script, in which he blames his death on the United States.


A masked man wielding a knife then decapitates him.









Smoke rises during fighting in the Syrian city of Kobani, seen from the outskirts of Suruc, Turkey, on Saturday, October 25. The United States and several Arab nations have been bombing ISIS targets in Syria to take out the militant group's ability to command, train and resupply its fighters.Smoke rises during fighting in the Syrian city of Kobani, seen from the outskirts of Suruc, Turkey, on Saturday, October 25. The United States and several Arab nations have been bombing ISIS targets in Syria to take out the militant group's ability to command, train and resupply its fighters.



ISIS militants stand near the site of an airstrike near the Turkey-Syria border on Thursday, October 23. ISIS militants stand near the site of an airstrike near the Turkey-Syria border on Thursday, October 23.



An explosion rocks Kobani, Syria, during a reported car-bomb attack by ISIS militants on Monday, October 20. Civil war has destabilized Syria and created an opening for the militant group, which is also advancing in Iraq as it seeks to create an Islamic caliphate in the region.An explosion rocks Kobani, Syria, during a reported car-bomb attack by ISIS militants on Monday, October 20. Civil war has destabilized Syria and created an opening for the militant group, which is also advancing in Iraq as it seeks to create an Islamic caliphate in the region.



People watch the Syrian town of Kobani from a hill near the Turkey-Syria border on October 20.People watch the Syrian town of Kobani from a hill near the Turkey-Syria border on October 20.



Kurdish fighters walk to positions as they fight ISIS forces in Kobani on Sunday, October 19.Kurdish fighters walk to positions as they fight ISIS forces in Kobani on Sunday, October 19.



A U.S. Air Force plane flies above Kobani on Saturday, October 18.A U.S. Air Force plane flies above Kobani on Saturday, October 18.



Heavy smoke rises in Kobani following an airstrike by the U.S.-led coalition on Saturday, October 18.Heavy smoke rises in Kobani following an airstrike by the U.S.-led coalition on Saturday, October 18.



Cundi Minaz, a female Kurdish fighter, is buried in a cemetery in the southeastern Turkish town of Suruc on Tuesday, October 14. Minaz was reportedly killed during clashes with ISIS militants in nearby Kobani.Cundi Minaz, a female Kurdish fighter, is buried in a cemetery in the southeastern Turkish town of Suruc on Tuesday, October 14. Minaz was reportedly killed during clashes with ISIS militants in nearby Kobani.



Turkish police officers secure a basketball stadium in Suruc on October 14. Some Syrian Kurds have been held there since crossing from Syria into Turkey. Tens of thousands of people have fled Kobani, known in Arabic as Ayn al-Arab, to escape ISIS.Turkish police officers secure a basketball stadium in Suruc on October 14. Some Syrian Kurds have been held there since crossing from Syria into Turkey. Tens of thousands of people have fled Kobani, known in Arabic as Ayn al-Arab, to escape ISIS.



Kiymet Ergun, a Syrian Kurd, celebrates in Mursitpinar, Turkey, after an airstrike by the U.S.-led coalition in Kobani on Monday, October 13.Kiymet Ergun, a Syrian Kurd, celebrates in Mursitpinar, Turkey, after an airstrike by the U.S.-led coalition in Kobani on Monday, October 13.



Smoke rises from Kobani on Sunday, October 12.Smoke rises from Kobani on Sunday, October 12.



Syrian Kurds from Kobani stand outside the grounds of a refugee camp in Suruc on Saturday, October 11. Syrian Kurds from Kobani stand outside the grounds of a refugee camp in Suruc on Saturday, October 11.



Alleged ISIS militants stand next to an ISIS flag atop a hill in Kobani on Monday, October 6. Alleged ISIS militants stand next to an ISIS flag atop a hill in Kobani on Monday, October 6.



In this photo released by the U.S. Air Force on Saturday, October 4, a U.S. Navy jet is refueled in Iraqi airspace after conducting an airstrike against ISIS militants.In this photo released by the U.S. Air Force on Saturday, October 4, a U.S. Navy jet is refueled in Iraqi airspace after conducting an airstrike against ISIS militants.



A Kurdish Peshmerga soldier who was wounded in a battle with ISIS is wheeled to the Zakho Emergency Hospital in Duhuk, Iraq, on Tuesday, September 30.A Kurdish Peshmerga soldier who was wounded in a battle with ISIS is wheeled to the Zakho Emergency Hospital in Duhuk, Iraq, on Tuesday, September 30.



Iraqi Shiite militiamen aim their weapons during clashes with ISIS militants in Jurf al-Sakhar, Iraq, on Sunday, September 28.Iraqi Shiite militiamen aim their weapons during clashes with ISIS militants in Jurf al-Sakhar, Iraq, on Sunday, September 28.



Syrian Kurds wait near a border crossing in Suruc as they wait to return to their homes in Kobani on Sunday, September 28. Tens of thousands of people have fled Kobani, known in Arabic as Ayn al-Arab, to escape ISIS.Syrian Kurds wait near a border crossing in Suruc as they wait to return to their homes in Kobani on Sunday, September 28. Tens of thousands of people have fled Kobani, known in Arabic as Ayn al-Arab, to escape ISIS.



Syrian Kurds wait behind border fences to cross into Suruc on September 28.Syrian Kurds wait behind border fences to cross into Suruc on September 28.



Tomahawk missiles, intended for ISIS targets in Syria, fly above the Persian Gulf after being fired by the USS Philippine Sea in this image released by the U.S. Navy on Tuesday, September 23.Tomahawk missiles, intended for ISIS targets in Syria, fly above the Persian Gulf after being fired by the USS Philippine Sea in this image released by the U.S. Navy on Tuesday, September 23.



Turkish Kurds clash with Turkish security forces during a protest near Suruc on Monday, September 22. According to Time magazine, the protests were over Turkey's temporary decision to close the border with Syria.Turkish Kurds clash with Turkish security forces during a protest near Suruc on Monday, September 22. According to Time magazine, the protests were over Turkey's temporary decision to close the border with Syria.



Syrian Kurds fleeing ISIS militants wait behind a fence in Suruc on Sunday, September 21.Syrian Kurds fleeing ISIS militants wait behind a fence in Suruc on Sunday, September 21.



A elderly man is carried after crossing the Syria-Turkey border near Suruc on Saturday, September 20.A elderly man is carried after crossing the Syria-Turkey border near Suruc on Saturday, September 20.



A Kurdish Peshmerga fighter launches mortar shells toward ISIS militants in Zumar, Iraq, on Monday, September 15.A Kurdish Peshmerga fighter launches mortar shells toward ISIS militants in Zumar, Iraq, on Monday, September 15.



An ISIS flag flies on the other side of a bridge at the front line of fighting between ISIS and Kurdish Peshmerga fighters in Rashad, Iraq, on Thursday, September 11.An ISIS flag flies on the other side of a bridge at the front line of fighting between ISIS and Kurdish Peshmerga fighters in Rashad, Iraq, on Thursday, September 11.



U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry reads on a flight en route to Iraq on Wednesday, September 10. Kerry traveled to the Mideast to discuss ways to bolster the stability of the new Iraqi government and combat ISIS.U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry reads on a flight en route to Iraq on Wednesday, September 10. Kerry traveled to the Mideast to discuss ways to bolster the stability of the new Iraqi government and combat ISIS.



Kurdish Peshmerga fighters fire at ISIS militant positions from their position on the top of Mount Zardak, east of Mosul, Iraq, on Tuesday, September 9. Kurdish Peshmerga fighters fire at ISIS militant positions from their position on the top of Mount Zardak, east of Mosul, Iraq, on Tuesday, September 9.



An Iraqi fighter jet flies over Amerli, Iraq, on September 3. Amerli had been under siege by ISIS militants.An Iraqi fighter jet flies over Amerli, Iraq, on September 3. Amerli had been under siege by ISIS militants.



Iraqi volunteer fighters celebrate breaking the Amerli siege on Monday, September 1. ISIS militants had surrounded Amerli, 70 miles north of Baquba, Iraq, since mid-June.Iraqi volunteer fighters celebrate breaking the Amerli siege on Monday, September 1. ISIS militants had surrounded Amerli, 70 miles north of Baquba, Iraq, since mid-June.



Kurdish Peshmerga forces stand guard at their position in the Omar Khaled village west of Mosul on Sunday, August 24. Kurdish Peshmerga forces stand guard at their position in the Omar Khaled village west of Mosul on Sunday, August 24.



Kurdish Peshmergas fight to regain control of the town of Celavle, in Iraq's Diyala province, on August 24.Kurdish Peshmergas fight to regain control of the town of Celavle, in Iraq's Diyala province, on August 24.



Peshmerga fighters stand guard at Mosul Dam in northern Iraq on Thursday, August 21. With the help of U.S. military airstrikes, Kurdish and Iraqi forces retook the dam from ISIS militants on August 18. A breach of the dam would have been catastrophic for millions of Iraqis who live downstream from it.Peshmerga fighters stand guard at Mosul Dam in northern Iraq on Thursday, August 21. With the help of U.S. military airstrikes, Kurdish and Iraqi forces retook the dam from ISIS militants on August 18. A breach of the dam would have been catastrophic for millions of Iraqis who live downstream from it.



Displaced Iraqis receive clothes from a charity at a refugee camp near Feeshkhabour, Iraq, on Tuesday, August 19.Displaced Iraqis receive clothes from a charity at a refugee camp near Feeshkhabour, Iraq, on Tuesday, August 19.



A fighter with Kurdish Peshmerga forces battles ISIS militants near Mosul on Monday, August 18.A fighter with Kurdish Peshmerga forces battles ISIS militants near Mosul on Monday, August 18.



Peshmerga fighters inspect the remains of a car that reportedly belonged to ISIS militants and was targeted by a U.S. airstrike in the village of Baqufa, north of Mosul, on August 18.Peshmerga fighters inspect the remains of a car that reportedly belonged to ISIS militants and was targeted by a U.S. airstrike in the village of Baqufa, north of Mosul, on August 18.



Kurdish Peshmerga fighters fire at ISIS in Khazair, Iraq, on Thursday, August 14. Kurdish Peshmerga fighters fire at ISIS in Khazair, Iraq, on Thursday, August 14.



Volunteers of the Iraqi Red Crescent Society unload boxes of goods before distributing them August 14 to families who fled from ISIS.Volunteers of the Iraqi Red Crescent Society unload boxes of goods before distributing them August 14 to families who fled from ISIS.



From the flight deck of the USS George H.W. Bush, which is in the Persian Gulf, two U.S. fighter jets take off for a mission in Iraq on Monday, August 11. U.S. President Barack Obama authorized airstrikes against Islamic militants and food drops for Iraqis who are trapped by the militants.From the flight deck of the USS George H.W. Bush, which is in the Persian Gulf, two U.S. fighter jets take off for a mission in Iraq on Monday, August 11. U.S. President Barack Obama authorized airstrikes against Islamic militants and food drops for Iraqis who are trapped by the militants.



Aziza Hamid, a 15-year-old Iraqi girl, cries for her father while she and some other Yazidi people are flown to safety Monday, August 11, after a dramatic rescue operation at Iraq's Mount Sinjar. A CNN crew was on the flight, which took diapers, milk, water and food to the site where as many as 70,000 people were trapped by ISIS. But only a few of them were able to fly back on the helicopter with the Iraqi Air Force and Kurdish Peshmerga fighters.Aziza Hamid, a 15-year-old Iraqi girl, cries for her father while she and some other Yazidi people are flown to safety Monday, August 11, after a dramatic rescue operation at Iraq's Mount Sinjar. A CNN crew was on the flight, which took diapers, milk, water and food to the site where as many as 70,000 people were trapped by ISIS. But only a few of them were able to fly back on the helicopter with the Iraqi Air Force and Kurdish Peshmerga fighters.



Thousands of Yazidis are escorted to safety by Kurdish Peshmerga forces and a People's Protection Unit in Mosul on Saturday, August 9.Thousands of Yazidis are escorted to safety by Kurdish Peshmerga forces and a People's Protection Unit in Mosul on Saturday, August 9.



Iraqi Shiite volunteers who have joined government forces to fight ISIS take part in a training session near Basra, Iraq, on Thursday, August 7. Iraqi Shiite volunteers who have joined government forces to fight ISIS take part in a training session near Basra, Iraq, on Thursday, August 7.



Thousands of Yazidi and Christian people flee Mosul on Wednesday, August 6, after the latest wave of ISIS advances.Thousands of Yazidi and Christian people flee Mosul on Wednesday, August 6, after the latest wave of ISIS advances.



A Baiji oil refinery burns after an alleged ISIS attack in northern Selahaddin, Iraq, on Thursday, July 31.A Baiji oil refinery burns after an alleged ISIS attack in northern Selahaddin, Iraq, on Thursday, July 31.



A Syrian rebel fighter lies on a stretcher at a makeshift hospital in Douma, Syria, on Wednesday, July 9. He was reportedly injured while fighting ISIS militants.A Syrian rebel fighter lies on a stretcher at a makeshift hospital in Douma, Syria, on Wednesday, July 9. He was reportedly injured while fighting ISIS militants.



Iraqis who fled fighting in the cities of Mosul and Tal Afar try to enter a temporary displacement camp in Khazair on Wednesday, July 2.Iraqis who fled fighting in the cities of Mosul and Tal Afar try to enter a temporary displacement camp in Khazair on Wednesday, July 2.



Peshmerga fighters check cars at the entrance of a temporary displacement camp in Khazair on Thursday, June 26. Peshmerga fighters check cars at the entrance of a temporary displacement camp in Khazair on Thursday, June 26.



Kurdish Peshmerga take their positions behind a wall on the front line of the conflict with ISIS militants in Tuz Khormato, Iraq, on Wednesday, June 25.Kurdish Peshmerga take their positions behind a wall on the front line of the conflict with ISIS militants in Tuz Khormato, Iraq, on Wednesday, June 25.



Peshmerga fighters clean their weapons at a base in Tuz Khormato on June 25.Peshmerga fighters clean their weapons at a base in Tuz Khormato on June 25.



New army recruits gather in Najaf, Iraq, on Wednesday, June 18, following a call for Iraqis to take up arms against Islamic militant fighters. New army recruits gather in Najaf, Iraq, on Wednesday, June 18, following a call for Iraqis to take up arms against Islamic militant fighters.



An MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter lands on the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush in the Persian Gulf on Tuesday, June 17.An MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter lands on the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush in the Persian Gulf on Tuesday, June 17.



Newly recruited Iraqi volunteer fighters take part in a training session in Karbala, Iraq, on June 17.Newly recruited Iraqi volunteer fighters take part in a training session in Karbala, Iraq, on June 17.



Members of ISIS prepare to execute soldiers from Iraq's security forces in this image, one of many reportedly posted by the militant group online. CNN cannot independently confirm the authenticity of the images.Members of ISIS prepare to execute soldiers from Iraq's security forces in this image, one of many reportedly posted by the militant group online. CNN cannot independently confirm the authenticity of the images.



Iraqi men chant slogans outside of an army recruiting center to volunteer for military service Thursday, June 12, in Baghdad.Iraqi men chant slogans outside of an army recruiting center to volunteer for military service Thursday, June 12, in Baghdad.



Kurdish Peshmerga forces, along with Iraqi special forces, deploy their troops and armored vehicles outside of Kirkuk, Iraq, on June 12.Kurdish Peshmerga forces, along with Iraqi special forces, deploy their troops and armored vehicles outside of Kirkuk, Iraq, on June 12.



Children stand next to a burnt vehicle during clashes between Iraqi security forces and ISIS militants in Mosul on Tuesday, June 10.Children stand next to a burnt vehicle during clashes between Iraqi security forces and ISIS militants in Mosul on Tuesday, June 10.



Civilians from Mosul escape to a refugee camp near Irbil, Iraq, on June 10. Civilians from Mosul escape to a refugee camp near Irbil, Iraq, on June 10.







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Photos: The ISIS terror threatPhotos: The ISIS terror threat






British hostage family's plea to ISIS




Foley's mom: 'Jim will live on'

As horrifying as Foley's last moments were, it was not the first time Foley looked death in the face at the hands of ISIS.


A new report from The New York Times states that Foley and other ISIS captives were threatened with execution, tortured and starved ahead of their beheadings.


Foley had been singled out for particularly harsh treatment by the group that calls itself the Islamic State, according to the Times -- he was subject to beatings, waterboarding and "mock executions."


The Times says it compiled the information by interviewing five former hostages, local witnesses, relatives and colleagues of the detainees, among others.


Foley, a 40-year-old freelance journalist, was reporting for GlobalPost and Agence France Presse when he was abducted in 2012. He was the first Western hostage to be beheaded by ISIS on camera.


After Foley, the militant group beheaded three other Western hostages -- Steven Sotloff, an American journalist who wrote for Time magazine; David Haines, a British aid worker; and Alan Henning, a British taxi driver who traveled to Syria to deliver food and water to those affected by the country's Civil War.


American aid worker in Syria, Abdul Rahman Kassig, who served in the U.S. Army and was deployed to Iraq, was identified by ISIS as their next captive in line to be killed.


British photojournalist John Cantlie is also being held by ISIS. He has narrated a series of apparently scripted propaganda videos for the Sunni militant group.


Cantlie is one of three remaining Western hostages according to the Times, along with Kassig and a woman who has not been named.


Most of the hostages who were released came from countries which the Times says has a history of paying ransoms.


A report from the Times in July alleged that by paying ransoms, European countries have influenced terror groups, including ISIS, to target people for kidnapping.