Jordanian jets pound IS targets in Syria as King comforts pilot’s family

Amman,
Jordanian fighter jets pounded Islamic State (IS) hideouts in Syria on Thursday and then roared over the hometown of a pilot killed by the militants, while below them King Abdullah consoled the victim’s family.
Witnesses overheard the monarch telling the pilot’s father the planes were returning from the militant-held city of Raqqa. A security source told Reuters the strikes hit targets in the eastern province of Deir al-Zor and near Raqqa.
The show of force came two days after the ultra-hardline IS released a video showing captured Jordanian pilot Mouath al-Kasaesbeh being burned alive in a cage as masked militants in camouflage uniforms stood around watching.
State television said details of the attacks would be made known later. If so, this would be the first time Jordan has announced carrying out strikes outside the framework of the US-led military coalition ranged against IS.
A US official, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said the strikes took place in the vicinity of Raqqa, where the Jordanian pilot was executed. Military commanders briefed King Abdullah after the missions about the details of the strikes, state television said.
The monarch has vowed to avenge Kasaesbeh’s killing and ordered commanders to prepare for a stepped-up military role in the US-led coalition against the group. — Reuters

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