UN Chief Decries 'Appalling' Islamic State Killing of Jordan Pilot

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday condemned the apparent burning alive of a Jordanian pilot by Islamic State militants, calling it an "appalling act."

Mr Ban labeled the IS group "a terrorist organization with no regard for human life" and urged world governments to redouble their efforts to "combat the scourge of terrorism and extremism," according to his spokesman Stephane Dujarric.

First Lieutenant Maaz al-Kassasbeh was captured in December when his F-16 jet crashed over northern Syria, a mission that was part of the US-led coalition campaign against the IS fighters.

"The secretary-general's thoughts are with Mr al-Kassasbeh's family and loved ones," Mr Ban's spokesman said.

"He shares their sorrow and stands today in solidarity with the government and people of Jordan in denouncing this appalling act."

A slickly produced 22-minute video surfaced online showing a man who appeared to be the pilot engulfed in flames inside a metal cage.

The 15 members of the UN Security Council also denounced the apparent killing, saying "such continued acts of barbarism perpetrated by ISIL do not intimidate them but rather stiffen their resolve" to counter extremist movements.

The council also demanded the "immediate, safe and unconditional release" of prisoners held by IS, the Al-Nusra Front - Al Qaeda's Syrian affiliate - and other groups with links to Al Qaeda.

Jordan is a non-permanent member of the council.