IS Hostage Pilot's Brother: 'It's Not Our War'

The brother of the Jordanian pilot held captive by Islamic State has urged his country's leaders to leave the international coalition targeting the group, saying: "It's not our war."

His comments reflect the growing domestic pressure being put on the Jordanian government, as the fate of Mu'ath Al Kassasbeh remains unknown.

In the pilot's home town of Ay, which sits in the Karak Mountains 90 miles south of the capital Amman, there have been demonstrations against the country's involvement in the US-led coalition.

Speaking to Sky News, Mu'ath's brother Jawdat Al Kassasbeh said such sentiments were widely held.

"The Jordanian people in general and our cousins here in this village are saying this war is not our war. It is not our war," he said.

Asked whether he believes his brother is still alive, he said: "God bless him. I really don't know. I really don't. I just hope."

Islamic State (IS) had said it would kill Mu'ath by sunset on Thursday unless Iraqi jihadist Sajida al Rishawi was released in exchange for Japanese hostage, Kenji Goto .

The Jordanian government had said they were prepared to make the exchange if Mu'ath was also released, but that they had not received proof the pilot was alive.

On Saturday, hours after officials said negotiations were "deadlocked," the Japanese government said a video apparently showing the murder of Mr Goto seemed to be genuine .

Jordan "strongly condemned" the killing and vowed to do "everything" to save Mu'ath's life.

The Kassasbeh family are part of one of the largest tribes in Jordan and one of the most loyal to the Royal Family.

But in the last week they have increasingly taken their frustrations to the streets, calling for more information about the talks and for Jordan's leadership to do more to save their son.

Analysts have suggested IS is set on exploiting the captured pilot to cause instability in Jordan, driving a wedge between the Western-backed government and the network of tribal communities.

However, those close to the Royal Family believe the organisation is underestimating the bonds that hold the Hashemite Kingdom together.

"They're not going to get anywhere. The tribes have always been the pillars of the country and the pillars of the army," said retired Jordanian General Ali Shukri.

General Shukri served for 23 years as the Director of the Private Office of the late King Hussein.

He says Jordan's current leadership is right to be fully involved in the international coalition, alongside other Arab states, in their battle with Islamic State.

"Do we wait for them until they appear on our borders or in our towns? Or do we join the coalition and pre-empt all their plans?" said General Shukri

"We simply cannot turn our backs and say: 'It's not our problem.' It is our problem," he added.

Mu'ath Al Kassasbeh was taken captive by Islamic State when his fighter jet crashed in Syria in late December.