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Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - President Obama said Tuesday that video purporting to a captured Jordanian pilot being burned alive by the Islamic State underscores the "viciousness and barbarity" of the militant group.

Obama said he had just learned of the release of the video, which said it shows the death of Lt. Muath al-Kaseasbeh. The National Security Council said intelligence officials are working to confirm the authenticity of the video.

"It's just one more indication of the viciousness and barbarity of this organization," Obama said. "And I think it will redouble the vigilance and determination on the part of the global coalition to make sure that they are degraded and ultimately defeated.”

Obama, who was speaking before a White House meeting with people who wrote him letters, said the Islamic State "appears interested in only death and destruction.”

White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said Vice President Joe Biden was scheduled to have lunch Tuesday with King Abdullah of Jordan, who is in Washington.

Earnest said that the video, even if authenticated, will not impact or change U.S. missions to rescue American hostages held by the Islamic State.

"We have made clear that the president is willing to devote significant diplomatic, intelligence, even military resources to trying to secure the release of our citizens that are being held against their will," Earnest said. Obama "receives regular updates on the progress of those efforts," Earnest said, and the U.S. will remain vigilant.

Earnest extended his thoughts and prayers to the family of the pilot and said Jordanians have been "stalwart members" of the coalition fighting the Islamic State.

"There are Jordanian military pilots that are risking their lives to carry out airstrikes against ISIL targets in Syria. And they are doing that alongside American military pilots. And that is an indication of the substantial contribution that Jordan is making to this effort," he said.


*Washington Post