Pilot's death: Pentagon to maintain strategy against IS

Washington, Feb 4 (IANS/EFE) The US-led coalition against the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group will continue on course after the militant group burnt alive the captured Jordanian pilot Moaz al-Kasasbeh, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby has said.

In a press conference Tuesday, Kirby said the Pentagon would not change its strategy against the IS after the group burned the pilot alive in an iron cage.

Earlier, US President Barack Obama said that the horrific incident would "redouble the vigilance and determination on the part of our global coalition" in the fight against the IS.

"We haven't made it a point to respond directly to these killings, even when American citizens were killed. What we have done, and will continue to do, is degrade and destroy their capabilities and continue to put them on the defensive which they still remain today," said Kirby, answering a question on the response of the US and the coalition to the killing of hostages.

Al-Kasasbeh was taken captive when his fighter jet crashed during a bombing mission by the coalition against the IS in December.

US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel extended his condolences to the family of the Royal Jordanian Air Force pilot for the "horrific, savage killing".

Al-Kasasbeh's brutal killing has intensified public outrage against Jordan's participation in the coalition.

After news of the killing surfaced, Jordan's King Abdullah II cut short a trip to Washington to return to his country after a quick meeting with Obama.

--IANS/EFE

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