Moaz al-Kassasbeh killing provokes outrage in Jordan

Amman vows revenge after video footage emerges of Jordanian air force pilot Lieutenant Moaz al-Kassasbeh being burned to death by the Islamic State group.

MENA

2 min read

The New Arab

03 February, 2015

Jordanians in Amman protest against Kassasbeh's murder [Anadolu]

Responses to the murder of Lieutenant Moaz al-Kassasbeh have been swift and furious, after the Islamic State group (IS, formerly known as Isis) released a video showing Kassasbeh being burned alive while imprisoned in a cage.

Jordanian and world leaders condemned the death of the 26-year-old airman.

Commentators, media figures and ordinary citizens have taken to social media to tweet messages of sadness and outrage.

I appeal to all sons and daughters of Jordan to stand united and show the real mettle of the Jordanians.

- King Abdullah

Jordan's Information Minister Mohammed Momani promised a swift and "earth-shattering" response, while the army and government vowed to avenge the pilot's murder.

Within hours, Jordan announced plans to execute IS-affiliated prisoners, as well as Sajida al-Rishawi, the Iraqi woman on death row for her role in the deadly suicide bombing in Amman in 2005.

"The sentence of death pending on... Iraqi Sajida al-Rishawi will be carried out at dawn," said a Jordanian security official who wanted to remain anonymous. The IS group had reportedly offered to spare the life of the Jordanian fighter pilot if she were released.

Jordan's King Abdullah II cut short a trip to Washington to return to Amman and made a televised statement on Tuesday night: "I appeal to all sons and daughters of Jordan to stand united and show the real mettle of the Jordanians."

"This gang has no association or relation to Islam whatsoever," he said.

Kassasbeh's death was "one more indication of the visciousness and barbarity of this organisation", said US President Barack Obama.

"It will redouble the vigilance and determination on the part of a global coalition to make sure that they are degraded and ultimately defeated."

UK Prime Minister David Cameron paid tribute to Kassasbeh's dedication and bravery, condemning the "sickening murder", which he said would "strenghten our resolve".

A statement released by General Lloyd Austin, commander of the US Central Command said: "This vicious act is yet another example of ISIL, or 'Daesh's,' brutality and warped ideology. First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

"I spoke with General Mashal al-Zaben, chief of staff of the Jordanian armed forces, and assured him that we stand with our Jordanian partners and, together, we will fight this barbaric enemy until it is defeated."