Jordan Vows to Step Up Assault against ISIL
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Jordan pledged to step up its role in the international coalition fighting the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), after the armed group killed a captured Jordanian pilot.
King Abdullah II vowed on Wednesday that his country will take more retaliatory action, after hanging two convicted Iraqis on death row - female would-be suicide bomber Sajida al-Rishawi and al-Qaeda operative Ziad al-Karbouli.
The execution by burning of airman Moaz al-Kassasbeh prompted international condemnation and widespread anger in Jordan.
Abdullah cut short a visit to the US and flew back to Amman, where he was greeted by large crowds at the airport before meeting with his security chiefs.
"The blood of martyr Moaz al-Kassasbeh will not be in vain and the response of Jordan and its army after what happened to our dear son will be severe," he said afterwards, quoted by the royal court.
Al Jazeera's Rula Amin, reporting from Amman, said that the killing of the pilot has united public opinion in Jordan against ISIL.
Our correspondent said that Jordanians are "very adamant" that the country "intensify its role" against ISIL.
"They want to retaliate, to respond and punish ISIL," she said, adding that Jordan could send special ground troops against ISIL.
The pilot's father has also called for harsh and swift revenge for his son's murder.
