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Family Of Journalist Slain By Islamic State Sues Syria

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MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) —  The family of slain Miami journalist Steven Sotloff is suing Syria claiming the government of President Bashar Assad gave support to Islamic State militants who carried out their son's gruesome beheading.

The lawsuit filed Monday in federal court in Washington seeks tens of millions in damages from Syria for Sotloff's 2014 killing. It's far from certain Sotloff's South Florida-based family would be able to collect money if they win the case.

Related: Steven Sotloff Memorial Commemorated At Pinecrest Gardens

Sotloff was kidnapped in August 2013 after crossing into Syria from Turkey, according to the lawsuit. He was killed on Sept. 2, 2014, and a video was distributed documenting his death.

The lawsuit contends Syria is liable because it provided financial, material and military support to the Islamic State. Syria has not yet answered the lawsuit.

Related: U.S.: Sotloff Beheading Video Authentic

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