On
One such claim, in part referencing "social media reports," was published on Breitbart:
Shafaqna news and Iraqinews.com claimed to have confirmed with their sources that King Abdullah is personally involved in conducting the air strikes. What remains unclear is whether Abdullah is personally suiting up and flying a plane, or instead commanding units involved in the mission. "The Jordanian King Abdullah II will participate personally on Thursday in conducting air strikes against the shelters of the terrorist ISIL organization to revenge the execution of the Jordanian pilot [Kasasbeh] by the ISIL," said the IraqiNews report.
Jordan's King Abdullah is reportedly personally involved in executing air strikes against Islamic State positions in the aftermath of the terrorist group's brutal execution of Jordanian pilot
The rumors appeared to spring in part from an image posted to the official Facebook page of the Royal Hashemite Court on
His Majesty King Abdullah II, The Supreme Commander of Jordanian Armed Forces, cuts his visit to the United States of America after the martyrdom of Muath Al Kasasbeh.
Not long afterwards, that image was circulated as proof King
It is true upon his return from the U.S., the King declared his intent to retaliate against Islamic State militants:
Meanwhile government spokesman Mohamed al-Momani said a collaborative effort was needed between members of the US-led coalition to "undermine, degrade and eventually finish [Islamic State]". "This evil can and should be defeated," he said, adding that Jordan was "more determined than ever" to fight the militant group.
After a meeting with security chiefs, AFP news agency quoted him as saying in a statement: "The blood of martyr Moaz al-Kasasbeh will not be in vain and the response of Jordan and its army after what happened to our dear son will be severe."
However, the prominent Arabic newspaper Al-Shorouk reported on
The official also noted that observers should refrain from calling King Abdullah a fighter pilot as he does not officially hold the title. He is, however, the commander-in-chief of the Jordanian Air Force. The king is a trained combatant, part of the parachute brigade and flies civilian planes and helicopters, the official added.
Meanwhile, a Jordanian government official told Al Arabiya News that King Abdullah was not flying missions against ISIS himself, after local media
While Jordan's King Abdullah II explicitly vowed revenge against Islamic State upon his return from the U.S., the monarch is not planning to lead any retaliatory strikes in person.
Last updated: 5 February 2015
