Thousands rally in Jordan demanding revenge against Islamic State for pilot’s death

Thousands of Jordanians packed the streets of the capital Amman on Friday, urging their monarch to step up air strikes on Islamic State to avenge its killing of pilot Mouath al-Kasaesbeh.

Crowds massed near the main Husseini mosque, then marched chanting “Death to Daesh,” using an Arabic acronym for the jihadist group, in the latest sign of mounting public anger.

The rally came three days after Islamic State released a video purporting to show Kasaesbeh being burned alive in a cage as masked militants in camouflage uniforms looked on.

Many Jordanians have opposed their country’s involvement in US-led air campaign against Islamic State positions, fearing retaliation. But the killing of the recently-married pilot, from an influential Jordanian tribe, has increased support for the military push.

Jordanian fighter jets pounded Islamic State targets in Syria on Thursday, before roaring Kasaesbeh’s hometown.

Queen Rania, the wife of King Abdullah, joined Friday’s marchers, carrying a picture of the pilot.