US moves pilot rescue aircraft closer to battlefield

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. military has moved search-and-rescue crews to northern Iraq in recent days, following an uproar over the killing of a Jordanian pilot captured in Syria by Islamic State fighters, defense officials said Thursday.<br /> <br /> The action is intended to shorten response times for search-and-rescue teams.<br /> <br /> The U.S. officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak by name about a move that has not been announced.<br /> <br /> The Islamic State militants have extremely limited air defenses, and the Syrian government has not challenged U.S. or coalition aircraft flying over its territory. Even so, combat pilots face the risk of going down behind enemy lines, and they are trained in coordinating with search-and-rescue crews.<br /> <br /> U.S. pilots are flying missions over Syria daily from bases in the region. Partner nations, including Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, are flying less often. The United Arab Emirates suspended its participation in airstrikes in December after the Jordanian pilot was captured, but it may reconsider soon after getting extra training, two officials said.<br /> <br /> Lt. Muath al-Kaseasbeh, whose F-16 crashed over Syria in December, was captured by Islamic State and taken to an unknown location, where he was held until his captors killed him by burning him alive in a cage on Jan. 3.