By Laith al-Junidi

AMMAN

 A Jordanian military court on Monday slapped a soldier, who had killed three American trainers last year, with a life sentence.

The soldier, Marik al-Tuwayha, had opened fire on the trainers in November as their vehicle approached al-Jafr airbase in November.

He faced three charges, including the premeditated murder.

Jordanian authorities initially said the trainers had been killed after they failed to stop.

Monday’s verdict is still subject to appeal, his lawyer Sobhi al-Mawas told Anadolu Agency.

Jordan is a close ally to the U.S. and is a member of the U.S.-led anti-Daesh coalition.

Reporting by Laith al-Junidi; Writing by Ali H. M.Abo Rezeg