(VOVworld) – The Islamic State posted a video online Tuesday purportedly showing captured Jordanian pilot Maaz al-Kassasbeh being burned alive. The execution was considered the most horrific by IS so far. A Jordanian army representative confirmed the death of Kasasbeh, saying the captured pilot had been "martyred" on January 3, prior to a planned prisoner swap for Iraqi terror suspect Sajida al-Rishawi.

Anwar al-Tarawneh, centre, the wife of Jordanian pilot, Lieut. Muath al-Kaseasbeh, holds a poster of him. (Photo: AP)

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon denounced the pilot’s murder and called on all nations to redouble their efforts to combat terrorism and extremism. US President Barack Obama offered his condolences to Jordan, saying the video showcased the "viciousness and barbarity" of the Islamic State.

Pilot al-Kassasbeh, 26, was captured by IS militants last December. IS demanded that Jordan free Iraqi woman Rishawi, who was sentenced to death, in exchange for the pilot’s release. Jordan agreed to the swap once they received proof that the pilot was still alive.