Islamic State's Deadline: The Life of Jordanian Pilot in Exchange for Sajida al-Rishawi's Freedom

The Islamic State group has threatened the Jordanian government with a deadline, stating that it has until sunset on Thursday, January 29, to release Sajida al-Rishawi, the suicide bomber, or else the Jordanian pilot held by ISIS will be "immediately" killed. According to AFP, ISIS conveyed its message to the Jordanian government through an audio file read by Kenji Goto, a Japanese hostage of the group, who states that his captors have threatened that the life of Muath al-Kasasbeh is dependent on the release of Sajida al-Rishawi by Thursday evening. In this message, Kenji Goto says: "If Sajida al-Rishawi is not exchanged for me by Thursday evening, January 29 (9 Bahman), at the Turkish border, Muath al-Kasasbeh will be killed immediately." However, the message does not clarify whether the Jordanian pilot will also be released in exchange for Sajida al-Rishawi. Sajida al-Rishawi, an Iraqi citizen, was involved in the bombings in 2005 in the Jordanian capital that resulted in the deaths of over 60 people. Nevertheless, the Jordanian government announced on Wednesday that it is willing to exchange Sajida al-Rishawi for Muath al-Kasasbeh. Jordanian television reported the statements of the Jordanian government spokesperson, who said: "Jordan is ready to release Sajida al-Rishawi, but only if the Jordanian pilot is released safe and sound. Since the beginning of this incident, Jordan has been working to ensure the safety of our son, pilot Muath al-Kasasbeh." However, ISIS's current position is somewhat ambiguous, and it is not clear what will happen to the Jordanian pilot and the Japanese hostage if Sajida al-Rishawi is released. Meanwhile, there are also questions about the authenticity of this audio message, but the Deputy Prime Minister of Japan has told reporters that it is highly likely that this is Kenji Goto's voice. ISIS had previously informed the Japanese government that in exchange for $200 million, it would allow Kenji Goto and another Japanese hostage, Haruna Yukawa, to live, but after the deadline passed, a video was released showing that Haruna Yukawa had been beheaded, and Kenji Goto is now requesting the release of Sajida al-Rishawi in exchange for his life.