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Lieutenant Muath al-Kaseasbeh: Reactions to purported murder of Jordanian pilot by Isis

People are being urged to remember the pilot and pay tribute

Roisin O'Connor
Tuesday 03 February 2015 20:25 GMT
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Supporters of Jordanian pilot Lt. Muath al-Kaseasbeh hold posters of him with Arabic that reads: 'We are all Muath' during a protest in Amman, Jordan
Supporters of Jordanian pilot Lt. Muath al-Kaseasbeh hold posters of him with Arabic that reads: 'We are all Muath' during a protest in Amman, Jordan (AP Photo/Raad Adayleh)

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Jordan has expressed its united anger and grief following the release of the video purporting to show the murder of captured Jordanian pilot Muath al-Kaseasbeh.

The Jordan army has vowed "punishment and revenge" during a statement read on Jordanian state TV where it confirmed the death of Lieutenant Muath al-Kaseasbeh.

"The military forces announce that the hero pilot, Muath al-Kaseasbeh, has fallen as a martyr, and ask God to accept him with the martyrs," Mamdouh al-Ameri said.

President Obama said the video is another indication of the "viciousness and barbarity" of the organisation.

He added that if the video is confirmed as genuine, it would "re-double the determination" of the global coalition to destroy Isis.

UK prime minister David Cameron issued a statement. He said: "Lieutenant Moaz al-Kasasbeh's sickening murder will only strengthen our resolve to defeat ISIL. My prayers are with his family tonight."

Supporters and relatives of pilot Muath al-Kaseasbeh say prayers following his reported killing, in the Jordanian capital Amman (Getty)
Supporters and relatives of pilot Muath al-Kaseasbeh say prayers following his reported killing, in the Jordanian capital Amman (Getty) (Getty Images)

ABC news producer Nasser Atta posted images of the Diwan of the family of the Jordanian pilot, where a hall was filled with people who were shocked and outraged at the development.

Others urged people to remember him and pay tribute, rather than sharing stills from Isis propaganda.

In a televised statement, Jordanian king Abdullah expressed his anger and sadness at the death, asking all of Jordan for unity.

Lt Kasaesbeh's family have been informed of the development by the Jordanian armed forces.

A spokesperson for the White House National Security Council said the US was aware of the video and was working to confirm its authenticity.

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