DHAKA: An American woman held hostage by Islamic State was reported dead on Tuesday as US president Barack Obama vowed to ‘find and bring to justice’ the militants who captured her.

Carl and Marsha Mueller, the parents of Kayla Jean Mueller, released a statement on Tuesday saying they have been told that she has died, reports The Globe and mail.

News of Mueller’s death came as the White House was ready to share with lawmakers its plan to seek authority for the use of military force against the militants – setting up the first war vote in Congress in 13 years.

In the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates launched air strikes against the Sunni militants, marking its return to combat against Islamic State after it halted flights late last year.

Jordan, which had vowed retaliation against Islamic State for the gruesome death of a captured Jordanian fighter pilot, was deploying ‘thousands’ of troops along its border with Iraq.

BDST: 2124 HRS, FEB 10, 2015