TOKYO
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Wednesday denounced the "inhumane and despicable" killing of a Jordanian air force pilot by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, local media reported.
Video released Tuesday evening appeared to show Muath al-Kasaesbeh being burned alive in a cage. It comes three days after a video depicted the death of Japanese journalist Kenji Goto.
"I'm infuriated by this inhumane and despicable act of terrorism and resolutely condemn this impermissible and outrageous act," Abe said in a statement reported by Kyodo News.
The fates of Kasaesbeh and Goto had appeared intertwined last week as both Japan and Jordan attempted to secure the release of their nationals held hostage by the group, known as ISIL.
Abe said he was left "speechless" at the grief of the pilot's family. Kasaesbeh was captured in December after his fighter plane crashed in northern Syria.
The prime minister added: “Representing the Japanese government and people, I express here our sincere condolences. Japan is with Jordan at this difficult time.”
He pledged Japan would shoulder its responsibility in the fight against terrorism and boost humanitarian aid, adding the government would enhance intelligence gathering and analysis as part of bolstered anti-terrorism measures.
