Jordan carries out 56 strikes against Islamic State targets

Jordan has launched 56 airstrikes against Islamic State group weapons depots, training centres and military barracks since militants released a video of them burning a Jordanian pilot to death, Jordan’s airforce chief said yesterday.

Jordanian officials have said they would retaliate harshly for the slaying of the pilot, Lt Muath al-Kaseasbeh, who was set ablaze while trapped in a cage.

Since Thursday, the Jordanian air force has attacked and destroyed 56 Islamic State targets, the airforce chief, General Mansour al-Jabour, told reporters.