Video Post Shows Captured BBC Reporter

This undated frame grab image taken from a video posted on a Web site that has been used by militant groups in the past, and made available Sunday June 24, 2007 by IntelCenter, an American private terrorist threat analysis company, purports to show kidnapped British journalist Alan Johnston wearing an apparent explosives belt of the type suicide bombers use. The video was made by the Army of Islam, a shadowy group with apparent al-Qaida links that has claimed responsibility for snatching Johnston, a correspondent with the British Broadcasting Corp. (AP Photo.IntelCenter) (AP)

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip -- A video recording released Monday shows kidnapped British journalist Alan Johnston wearing an apparent explosives belt of the type suicide bombers use and warning it will be detonated if an attempt is made to free him by force.

The video, about one minute, 42 seconds long, was posted on a Web site that has been used by militant groups in the past. It opens with the title "Alan's Appeal" in both English and Arabic and features the logo of the Army of Islam, a shadowy group that has claimed responsibility for snatching Johnston, a British Broadcasting Corp. correspondent.

"Captors tell me that very promising negotiations were ruined when the Hamas movement and the British government decided to press for a military solution to this kidnapping," Johnston says in the recording, looking nervous and stressed.

"And the situation is now very serious, as you can see."

Johnston is seen wearing a red sweater with a blue and white checked vest strapped around his body _ the apparent bomb belt.

"I have been dressed in what is an explosive belt, which the kidnappers say will be detonated if there is an attempt to storm the area," he continues. "They say they are ready to turn the hide-out into what they describe as a death zone if there is an attempt to free me by force."

BBC said in a statement on its Web site that it is "very distressing for Alan's family and colleagues to see him being threatened in this way."

"We ask those holding Alan to avoid him being harmed by releasing him immediately," it said.

Since Hamas took over the Gaza Strip earlier this month, Hamas leaders have been saying that Johnston's release was imminent. Hamas officials have indicated they know where he is, but have not moved in for fear of harming him.

Mahmoud Zahar, a hardline Hamas leader, said Saturday that Johnston's captors were hesitant to release him, fearing retaliation after he is freed. He said Hamas is trying to convince the group that it would not be targeted if Johnston is handed over, even providing "written guarantees."

Asked more than a week ago whether force could be used to free Johnston, Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida said all options were open but stressed Hamas wants to resolve the case "in a way that protects the safety and security of the kidnapped journalist."

Johnston was seized from a Gaza street on March 12. His captors have previously said they want a Palestinian militant jailed in Britain to be released in exchange for Johnston.