ISIS captures Jordanian pilot. Was he shot down? Yahoo/Reuters

ISIS fighters claim this man is a Jordanian pilot. Yahoo/Reuters. 

ISIS has its first captured prisoner, a Jordanian pilot from the U.S. lead coalition against the terrorist state. Yahoo/Reuters. Jordan has confirmed that ISIS has captured the pilot and are holding the groups responsible for his well being. The plane crashed during a military operation against ISIS in Syria near the "capital" of the Islamic State, Raqqa. It is unknown if the plane was shot down or if it crashed for some other reason. No U.S. aircraft or personnel were involved. ISIS published pictures of the pilot, a 1st Lieutenant named Muath al-Kasaesbeh, as well as pictures of his identification cards. Jordan has long been an ally to the United States and has contributed forces to the battle against ISIS. 

My Comment:

Things are not looking good for this pilot. Obviously, I hope that he is released to his family but given that he fell into the hands of ISIS that is not looking good at all. At the very least expect a propaganda video soon. I guess it is conceivable that Jordan could pay a ransom for this man, or mount a rescue mission, but that seems unlikely. I'm hoping for the best but fearing the worst

I'm not sure why the photo of his is blurred out as it looks like he is wearing pants. Not sure if it was ISIS that did that to the picture or a news outlet but it seems strange. I'm guessing even shorts are a bit too revealing for Muslim sensibilities.

As for the jet itself it is very possible that ISIS shot it down. They have access to MANPADS (man portable air defense) and I'm guessing they know how to use them. Of course we can't rule out mechanical failure as a possibility as well. It's possible that the Syrian government could have shot this plane down, by design or mistake, or even another faction like the Free Syrian Army or the Al-Nusra Front. Either way though, I expect ISIS to take full credit.