US moves pilot-rescue aircraft closer to battlefields
The gruesome killing of a Jordanian pilot who had crashed in Islamic State territory laid bare a problem of the US-led coalition – there is no sure way to rescue an airman who is down behind enemy lines. Now, in response, the US has moved search-and-rescue aircraft closer to the battlefield, defense officials said Thursday.
US pilots are flying missions over Syria daily from bases in the region, including from Qatar, and partner nations, including Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, are flying less often. The United Arab Emirates suspended its participation in airstrikes in December after the Jordanian pilot was captured, but it may reconsider after having given its aircrews extra training, two officials said.
