Jordan vows to 'eradicate' Islamic State group
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 6 February 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Jordan vows to 'eradicate' Islamic State group, 6 February 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/55093e6524.html [accessed 20 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
February 06, 2015
Jordan has said air strikes against the Islamic State extremist group are only the beginning of its retaliation campaign for the burning alive of one of its pilots, vowing to "eradicate" the militants.
The military said "dozens of jet fighters" struck IS targets on February 5, hitting militant training camps as well as weapons and ammunition depots.
Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh told CNN Jordan was going after IS "with everything that we have."
Jordan had previously only bombed IS sites in Syria, but Judeh said his country would also target the group in Iraq.
The gruesome killing of pilot Mouath al-Kasaesbeh, captured by IS militants in December after his war plane crashed in Syria, has sparked grief and deep anger in Jordan.
On February 5, King Abdullah visited the pilot's family in their village. His visit coincided with the returning fighter jets flying over the village on their way back from their mission against IS targets.
On February 6, thousands marched in the capital, Amman, waving Jordanian flags, pictures of the pilot, and placards reading: "Yes to punishment. Yes to the eradication of terrorism."
Based on reporting by Reuters and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
