A video is circulating in the internet showing a captured Jordanian fighter pilot and a downed F-16 fighter jet. The Islamic State claimed to have shot down the fighter jet and held its pilot captive according to an official statement released by the militant group.
The incident occurred on Wednesday when the fighter jet entered the Islamic Militant controlled airspace. On the contrary, the United States admitted that a fighter jet crashed but insisted that it was not because of Islamic State offensive.
Jordan along with other Arab states has joined the United States-led coalition that organized a series of air strikes intended to attack Islamic State controlled area of Syria. Since the military operation commenced in September, the crashed F-16 fighter jet is the first aircraft lost by the coalition. The Islamic State militants have published several photographs and videos showing the downed aircraft and the captured pilot. The fighter pilot was identified as Flight Lieutenant Moaz Youssef al-Kasasbeh.
On an official statement issued by the United States Central Command, it stated that they condemned that actions of the militant group and at the same time confirmed the militant group has "taken captive the downed pilot". The Central Command however did not issue any statement regarding the reason for the plane crash. Central Command extended its gratitude to the service the Jordanian pilot have exemplified stating that the Jordanians are "valued partners" adding that the captured pilot "performed exceptionally well".
After the crash was reported, the United States launched an immediate search and rescue operation, unfortunately the pilot was captured long before the rescue attempt could be made.
The joint forces of Jordan, United States, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain have executed more than hundreds of air strikes in the Islamic State of Syria since Sept.
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has already conveyed his "concern" for the safety and well-being of Lt. Kasasbeh and has also extended to the captors that the captured soldier be treated "in accordance with international humanitarian laws".
