UAE Rejoins Anti-IS Bombing Campaign After Jordanian Pilot Death

MOSCOW, (Sputnik) – The United Arab Emirates conducted a string of airstrikes on the Islamic State (IS) positions on Tuesday, resuming the country's air operations following the execution of a Jordanian pilot, the WAM news agency reported.

The UAE reportedly pulled back from the US-led international coalition against the jihadists shortly after a Jordanian plane went down and the pilot was captured by the IS group in December. The Gulf Arab state made the decision amid safety concerns regarding its pilots, according to the US sources.

On Saturday, it was reported that the UAE had sent a squadron of F-16 jets to a Jordanian airbase, marking the resumption of its air operations against the Islamic insurgents. The move followed the execution of the captured Jordanian pilot Muath Kasaesbeh. Last week, IS militants posted images on social media showing Kasaesbeh being burned alive.

The US-led coalition has conducted an air campaign against militants in Syria and Iraq, striking IS targets, with over 60 countries participating in the international effort.