Jordan executes two jihadists in response to sickening murder of pilot

Jordan has carried out dawn executions of terrorist Sajida al-Rishawi and a second prisoner ISIL had requested released.

The executions were a response to the sickening murder of pilot Lieutenant Muath al-Kaseasbeh at the hands of extremist group ISIL.

READ MORE: Why ISIL's horror execution of Jordanian pilot could backfire

The militants have released a video showing the purported murder, with Lt Al-Kaseasbeh being doused in petrol and burned alive in a cage.

Jordan had threatened the execution of a number of prisoners associated with ISIL and al-Qaeda in return.

The nation's intelligence officials also believe Lt Al-Kaseasbah's execution took place up to a month ago, despite ISIL's demand to ransom the pilot in exchange for Al-Rishawi, a female al-Qaeda operative and failed suicide bomber.

Al-Rishawi had been on death row in Jordan for her role in the November 2005 bombings that attacked three hotels in Amman.

She was executed alongside fellow Iraqi Al-Qaeda operative Ziad al-Karbouli.

Al-Karbouli is a former aide to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, who led al-Qaeda's terrorist operations in Iraq.

Before the executions were confirmed, Jordanian government spokesman Mohammed al-Momani promised a "strong, decisive and swift" response to the Lt al-Kaseasbeh's horrific murder.

Jordan still holds a number of other jihadists it could execute in response to ISIL's revelation.