Saudi Arabia renews support for Jordan in anti-terror fight

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Saturday received Prince Turki Bin Talal and his accompanying delegation, comprising leading tribal figures from Saudi Arabia, who are currently visiting the Kingdom to extend condolences over the death of Jordanian pilot Muath Kasasbeh. 

The pilot was captured by the so-called Islamic State (IS) terrorist group after his aircraft crashed over the group’s stronghold of Raqqa in Syria, while on Tuesday the group released a video purportedly depicting the pilot being burned alive.

During the meeting at Al Husseiniya Palace with King Abdullah, Prince Turki commended the courage of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army and its defence of Islam and Arab values, noting that Jordan has always been a great country, under the leadership of King Abdullah, according to a Royal Court statement. 

The prince denounced IS’ “heinous and gruesome acts” in violation of human rights conventions and the teachings of Islam. 

The King commended the prince’s position and that of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, led by King Salman, and its support for Jordan. 

King Abdullah said Jordan is moving ahead with its fight against terrorist groups and extremist ideologies in defence of Islam, according to the Royal Court. 

HRH Prince Feisal, Royal Court Chief Fayez Tarawneh, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs-of-Staff Gen. Mashal Al Zaben, who is also the King’s military adviser, Director of the King’s Office Jafar Hassan, King’s Adviser for Tribal Affairs Sharif Fawwaz Zaben Abdullah and Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh attended the meeting.  

Later in the day, Prince Turki and the tribal leaders of Saudi Arabia visited the family of the slain pilot in Karak to pay condolences.

Prince Turki told Muath’s family that their son died standing while defending his country, nation and religion with his dignified death exemplifying heroism and bravery.