The rumor that King Abdullah had flown sorties over the Islamic State was stoked by this Facebook post from the Jordanian government. A government spokesman told Al-Arabiya “that King Abdullah was not flying missions against ISIS himself, after local media reports – also taken by some international outlets – indicated he is set to do so.”
“The official also noted that observers should refrain from calling King Abdullah a fighter pilot as he does not officially hold the title. He is, however, the commander-in-chief of the Jordanian Air Force,” Al-Arabiya continued. “The king is a trained combatant, part of the parachute brigade and flies civilian planes and helicopters, the official added.”
The Jordanian monarch qualified as a Cobra attack helicopter pilot in the Special Forces, according to his official bio.
Still, Iraqi media reported that yesterday’s bombing run over ISIS killed 55 terrorists. The fighters symbolically flew over Karak, the hometown of murdered pilot 1st Lt. Muath al-Kasaesbeh, on their way home.
The Jordanian government posting the king’s military photo, and the fact that he drove his own motorcade at home, are images commensurate with Abdullah’s response — the king has cited Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven in his vow to wipe out ISIS.
He was scheduled to speak at the White House prayer breakfast this morning, but flew back to Amman after ISIS released the video of the pilot’s murder.
King Abdullah is a badass. pic.twitter.com/i2G8g7fO8k
— Hair (@SHannitysHair) February 5, 2015
King Abdullah II can drive himself, thanks. pic.twitter.com/i7AOprxFUR
— sluggh (@sluggh) February 5, 2015
King Abdullah’s ground war should include a giant pack of Hells Angels mowing down ISIS pic.twitter.com/vztR8x3IjW
— Bridget Johnson (@Bridget_PJM) February 5, 2015
So King Abdullah II may or may not have personally kicked some IS ass. That’s OK. We have this pic.twitter.com/llrpXIsH7y
— Nathan Wurtzel (@NathanWurtzel) February 5, 2015
Join the conversation as a VIP Member