"We are aware of the video purporting to show that Jordanian 1st Lieutenant Moaz al-Kasasbeh has been murdered by the terrorist group ISIL. The intelligence community is working to confirm its authenticity. The United States strongly condemns ISIL’s actions and we call for the immediate release of all those held captive by ISIL. We stand in solidarity with the Government of Jordan and the Jordanian people,” the NSC press office said.
The Jordanian prisoner, who was captured by IS in December after his plane crashed in Syria, was reportedly burned alive on Tuesday. The pilot's death, if confirmed, comes just days after IS posted a video online showing the decapitation of a Japanese hostage, journalist Kenji Goto.
White House says it's working to authenticate video purporting to show Islamic State burning Jordanian pilot alive: http://t.co/tSp5xIqrqY
— Reuters Top News (@Reuters) 3 февраля 2015
The Head of US Central Command General Lloyd Austin also condemned IS’ attack on Tuesday and said that he has spoken with Jordanian Armed Forces officials, assuring them that the United States stands with Amman.
On January 28, a Jordanian government spokesperson said that the country was ready to release the Iraqi terrorist in exchange for Kasaesbeh. The following day, the Jordanian information minister said the country had demanded IS to prove that Kasaesbeh was still alive, but received no response from the militants.
