Jordan hostage video shows IS 'barbarity': Obama

He added that the US would redouble the vigilance and determination on the part of the global coalition to make sure the IS group is ultimately defeated

AFPPTI Washington
Last Updated : Feb 04 2015 | 9:12 AM IST
US President Barack Obama today said that if a video purporting to show the burning alive of a Jordanian pilot is authenticated, it just shows the organization's 'barbarity'.

"Should in fact this video be authentic, it's just one more indication of the viciousness (and) barbarity of this organization," Obama said.

"This organization is only interested in death and destruction," he said when asked about the video at a brief public appearance.

Also Read

He said the United States would "redouble the vigilance and determination on the part of the global coalition to make sure" the IS group is "ultimately defeated."

The video released today shows images of a man purported to be captured Jordanian pilot Maaz al-Kassasbeh engulfed in flames in a metal cage.

Jordanian state television confirmed the death and said Kassasbeh had been killed on January 3, before the jihadists offered to spare his life and free a Japanese journalist in return for the release of a female would-be suicide bomber on death row in Jordan.

The White House earlier said US intelligence was working to confirm the authenticity of the video.

"The United States strongly condemns ISIL's actions and we call for the immediate release of all those held captive by ISIL. We stand in solidarity with the Government of Jordan and the Jordanian people," the White House said, using an alternate acronym for the Islamic State group.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Feb 04 2015 | 2:00 AM IST

Next Story