Jordan executes two prisoners in retaliation for pilot’s slaying

Jordan early Wednesday executed two prisoners in retaliation for the killing of a captured pilot by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

A Jordanian government spokesman confirmed to CNN that Sajida al-Rishawi, who was convicted for an attempted suicide bombing in 2005, and Ziad al-Karbouli, a former al Qaeda aide, were both executed.

{mosads}Their killings came a day after ISIS released a video showing a captured Jordanian pilot, Muath al-Kasasbeh, being burned alive.

Al-Kasasbeh had been captured in December while taking part in the U.S.-led coalition’s mission against ISIS.

Jordan had discussed swapping al-Rishawi for al-Kasasbeh, but officials said Tuesday that ISIS failed to provide proof the pilot was still alive. The talks were also dealt a blow after ISIS executed two Japanese captives last week.

U.S. officials offered support for Jordan on Tuesday, after ISIS posted the graphic video of al-Kasasbeh’s killing on the Internet.

President Obama said the 26-year-old pilot had been “cruelly and brutally killed,” and pledged to continue the fight against ISIS.

“Today, the coalition fights for everyone who has suffered from ISIL’s inhumanity,” Obama said, using an alternate name for the group.

King Abdullah II of Jordan, who was in Washington on a prescheduled trip, met with Obama and Vice President Biden. Jordan is one of four Arab nations taking part in strikes against ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

The gruesome killing also comes as lawmakers weigh a new authorization for the use of force against ISIS.

The White House has said it will send language for a new limited authorization but declined to set a timetable. A central issue is whether the measure would bar the use of ground troops.

Obama has ruled out the use of ground troops in combat, but many GOP lawmakers have said they will oppose any authorization that limits military options.

The Obama administration has carried out airstrikes against the group with partner nations, deployed advisers to Iraq to train local forces against ISIS, and is training and arming vetted Syrian rebel groups.