United Arab Emirates Returns to Air Operations Against ISIS

The United Arab Emirates is sending a squadron of its F-16 fighter jets to Jordan to participate in airstrikes against Islamic State militants, marking the country's effective 'return' to military operations within the coalition led by the United States. In mid-February, U.S. officials stated that the UAE had halted its airstrikes in the international coalition against ISIS following the downing of a Jordanian aircraft and the capture of its pilot, who was later burned alive by Islamist militants in a video released by them. In response to the video, Jordan announced it would intensify its airstrikes. Last Friday, Al Arabiya news channel cited the Emirati newspaper Al-Ittihad, stating that the suspension of UAE airstrikes was not solely due to the downed fighter jet and the hostage situation but also involved other issues, such as the failure to implement a plan to equip Sunni tribes in Iraq. Nevertheless, shortly after, the UAE's state news agency reported on February 6 that they would resume air operations. Previously, the U.S. State Department had indicated that Arab countries in the coalition against ISIS reaffirmed their commitments and mentioned that a 'positive announcement' would be made in the coming days. Reuters also quoted an unnamed U.S. official stating that the UAE would resume its operations in the U.S.-led coalition in the coming days, although no further details were provided. A military source in Jordan told Reuters that UAE air operations would commence from within Jordan, stating, 'This is a significant development and will help our brothers shorten their flight paths and intensify attacks against the militants.' Coalition airstrikes against ISIS in Syria began at the end of September. In this context, the UAE had 'halted' airstrikes against ISIS. Obama stated that ISIS is pursuing 'barbaric' acts in the name of religion. Jordan resumed bombing ISIS positions, and there is 'no evidence' of an American hostage being killed in the airstrike.