Jordan executes Two Convicted Terrorists after IS kills Pilot

Jordan executed two convicted jihadis in retaliation for the killing of one of its air force pilots by the Islamic State (IS) militants, BBC reported Wednesday. The executed terrorists included Sajida al-Rishawi, a woman, whose release the IS had demanded as a condition for releasing Jordanian pilot Moaz al-Kasasbeh. Al Qaeda operative Ziyad Karboli was also hanged, the report added.

Jordan was reportedly considering to release Al-Rishawi, who was sentenced to death for her role in a failed attack in Amman in 2005, to secure the release of its pilot. Jordan Tuesday vowed an “earth-shattering” response after IS posted an online video apparently showing the pilot’s execution.

Describing the pilot as “martyr”, Mamdouh al-Ameri, a spokesman for the Jordanian armed forces, said: “His blood will not be shed in vain. Our punishment and revenge will be as huge as the loss of the Jordanians.” UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Tuesday condemned the killing of a Jordanian pilot held captive by the Islamic State (IS), saying the terrorist organisation has “no regard for human life”, Xinhua reported.

In a note to the media, Ban said he shares the sorrow of the family and loved ones of Moaz al-Kasasbeh, the pilot of the Jordanian Royal Air Force, and stands in solidarity with the people of Jordan in denouncing this “appalling” act. (IANS)