Jordan says it has seen no proof that its captured pilot is alive and has not heard from his Islamic State (IS) captors, nearly 24 hours after a prisoner swap to save his life was supposed to have taken place.
Amman confirmed that the failed suicide bomber Sajida al-Rishawi had not been moved from her cell because Islamic State had not provided proof of life for Muath Kasasbeh, whose fighter jet was shot down over eastern Syria in December.
Islamic State had wanted to swap Rishawi for the Japanese journalist Kenji Goto, whom the terror group has held since October – and had suggested that the deal might also spare Mr Kasasbeh. Japan and Jordan have both repeatedly demanded that their citizens be returned.
An urgent meeting of Jordanian ministers called on Thursday afternoon led to a government statement demanding proof of life before releasing Rishawi, who has been on death row since 2006.
Mr Goto’s wife released a statement on Thursday calling for the jihadi group to free her husband, who travelled to the IS stronghold of Raqqa last October, reportedly to search for a second Japanese hostage, Haruna Yukawa, who was killed by his captors last week.
‘Last chance’
“I fear that this is the last chance for my husband, and we now have only a few hours left to secure his release and the life of Lieut Muath al-Kasasbeh,” said Rinko Goto.
“I beg the Jordanian and Japanese governments to understand that the fates of both men are in their hands.”
Earlier, the jihadi group released an audio message in which Mr Goto said Rishawi should be taken to the Turkish border by sunset, Iraqi time (2.30pm GMT) on Thursday.
Islamic State warned that Mr Kasasbeh would be killed immediately if Rishawi did not appear by the deadline. Japan's prime minister, Shinzo Abe, said analysis of the message suggested it had been issued by IS.
The message appeared after the expiry of a previous 24-hour deadline for Rishawi’s release. IS had threatened to kill both hostages unless Jordan freed Rishawi, who was sentenced to death for her involvement in a 2005 terrorist attack that killed 60 people.
– (Guardian service)