The United States Central Command announced that contrary to what the Islamic State group claimed on Wednesday, the Jordanian F-16 aircraft was not destroyed by the group's forces. The group known as the Islamic State claimed on Wednesday, December 24, that after shooting down an international coalition fighter jet in the skies over Syria, they captured the Jordanian pilot. Jordan confirmed this issue a few hours later. In a statement from the Central Command released on the same Wednesday on its website, it was stated that existing evidence 'clearly shows that the terrorist organization ISIS did not shoot down the aircraft contrary to its claims.' The Central Command used the old name of the Islamic State group to describe it. However, this statement did not mention how the Jordanian F-16 was downed. Jordan, along with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain, is one of the Arab countries participating in the U.S.-led international coalition. This coalition targets the positions and forces of the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq. General Lloyd James Austin, the commander of the Central Command, referred to Jordan as a 'very respected and valuable partner' of the U.S. and praised the 'extraordinary display' of the pilots and crew of the Jordanian Air Force against the Islamic State. Mr. Austin also condemned the capture of the Jordanian pilot by the Islamic State group, stating that U.S. military forces will continue their efforts to secure the freedom and safety of this pilot.
USA: The Jordanian Plane Was Not Shot Down by ISIS
The U.S. Central Command refuted claims by ISIS that they shot down a Jordanian F-16 and captured its pilot. Jordan confirmed the incident, but the U.S. stated evidence shows ISIS was not responsible for the downing. This situation highlights ongoing tensions in the region and the role of the U.S.-led coalition against ISIS.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The U.S. Central Command announced that the Islamic State's claim of shooting down a Jordanian F-16 and capturing its pilot is false. Jordan confirmed the incident, but evidence indicates ISIS was not responsible for the downing of the aircraft.
- The U.S. stated that evidence shows ISIS did not shoot down the aircraft.
- Jordan is part of the U.S.-led coalition targeting ISIS in Syria and Iraq.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The Islamic State has been a significant threat in the Middle East, and the U.S. and its allies have been actively involved in military operations against them. Jordan plays a vital role in this coalition.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
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