As Twitchy reported this morning, several media outlets reported that ISIS had shot down and captured a Jordanian pilot. Though Jordan’s military confirmed that its pilot had been captured, there was no confirmation that ISIS was responsible for the downing of the F-16 despite its claim.
This afternoon, without giving any detail, U.S. Central Command insisted that ISIS did not down the fighter.
Jordanian Pilot Not Downed by #ISIL in #Syria: http://t.co/MGlN4Qoza0
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) December 24, 2014
“Evidence clearly indicates that ISIL did not down the aircraft as the terrorist organization is claiming,” reads a CENTCOM release.
Just in from @CENTCOM — "Evidence clearly indicates that ISIL did not down the aircraft as the terrorist organization is claiming"
— Ed Henry (@edhenry) December 24, 2014
Centcom says they know ISIS didn't shoot plane down – not yet saying WHY/HOW they know that – whether via radio report, intel imagery, etc.
— Ali Rogin (@AliRogin) December 24, 2014
CENTCOM: " A Jordanian F-16 aircraft crashed… ISIL did not down the aircraft as the terrorist organization is claiming"
— Josh Rogin (@joshrogin) December 24, 2014
ISIS claims it shot down a coalition fighter jet over Syria. US officials now say it was NOT shot down. Details tonight @WNTonight @ABC
— Hamish Macdonald (@hamishNews) December 24, 2014
If @CENTCOM so sure "evidence indicates #ISIS did not shoot down" Jordanian jet, might be an idea to give some evidence of evidence.
— Jon Williams (@WilliamsJon) December 24, 2014
Some evidence would be nice, but it’s not hard at all to believe that ISIS would take advantage of a photo op to lie about its limited “victory” over coalition forces.
The @CENTCOM commander on downed pilot: "We will support efforts to ensure his safe recovery." http://t.co/GThAaaUqR0
— Julian E. Barnes (@julianbarnes) December 24, 2014
“We strongly condemn the actions of ISIL which has taken captive the downed pilot,” wrote General Lloyd J. Austin III in a statement. “We will support efforts to ensure his safe recovery, and will not tolerate ISIL’s attempts to misrepresent or exploit this unfortunate aircraft crash for their own purposes.”
Related:
Prayers: ISIS allegedly shoots down, captures Jordanian pilot
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