Jordanians have taken to social media today to mark the second anniversary of the cruel killing of pilot Moaz al-Kasasbeh at the hands of Daesh.
It was widely reported in local media that al-Kasasbeh died on 3 January 2015, although the horrific viral video produced by the Islamist group showing him being burned to death was not released until a month later.
The brutal murder of the 26-year-old from Karak was a pivotal moment which galvanized Jordanian feeling against Daesh. Many took to the streets at the time to express their anger and demand revenge, with cars and shop windows displaying pictures of the “martyr” for weeks afterwards.
Some took the opportunity today to remember the words of the Jordanian King Abdullah following the release of the footage:
The anniversary of the hero/ Moaz al-Kasasbeh. We would all die for you, our nation. This video would make a stone cry.
In his statement at the time the King said that:
“We have received with great sadness, grief and anger the news the news of the martyrdom of the hero pilot Moaz al-Kasasbeh, may he rest in peace, at the hands of the cowardly terrorist organization, Daesh,” adding that “It is a criminal, deviant group, which has no connection whatsoever with our great religion of Islam [...]”
He concluded that “at these difficult times, it is every Jordanian’s duty to stand together in the face of crises and ordeals, which will only make us stronger”
Two years on, many have once again expressed their gratitude for al-Kasasbeh’s sacrifice, and their sorrow in his horrific death:
نظرة الاسد ما هاب النار
نظرة اردني مقبل ع الشهادة#معاذ_الكساسبه انت وحدك من هزم #داعش#كلنا_معاذ
03/01/2015 pic.twitter.com/tjO0s4on2E— ياسر السحيمات #الكرك (@Yassir_suhimat1) January 3, 2017
The look of a lion, not afraid of fire. The look of a Jordanian facing his martyrdom. #MoazAl-Kasasbeh you alone vanquished #Daesh #WeAreAllMoaz 02/01/2015
The photo reads: Going to his death with his head held high. Rest in peace Moaz al-Kasasbeh
مثل الجبل واقف ما هزته نار ، لك الجنه يا بطل #معاذ_الكساسبه #شهيد_الحق_معاذ #كلنا_معاذ #شهيد2475#الاردن pic.twitter.com/svjg5JdhsW
— ياسر السحيمات #الكرك (@Yassir_suhimat1) January 3, 2017
Like a mountain, standing [solid] and not shaken by the fire. Paradise is yours, my hero #MoazAl-Kasasbeh #TrueMartyrMoaz #WeAreAllMoaz #Martyr2475 #Jordan
3/1 painful anniversary of the martyrdom of the hero Captain Moaz Kasasbeh, may he rest in peace #TrueMartyr #WeAreAllMoaz
Second anniversary of the martyrdom of the eagle Moaz Kasasbeh. God bless you, my hero, and burn the hearts of those who burned our hearts for you.
Responding to the strength of public feeling, the Jordanian authorities promised retribution at the time, with airstrikes swiftly being carried out against Daesh targets in Syria. Sajida al-Rishawi, a failed al-Qaeda suicide bomber who took part in the 2005 terrorist attacks on Amman, was also promptly executed as a direct response to al-Kasasbeh’s death.
RA
