Jordan says won't free jihadist without proof pilot alive

AMMAN - Jordan said Thursday that it would not release an Iraqi female jihadist until it receives proof that a Jordanian pilot held by the Islamic State group is alive.

IS has threatened to execute the airman unless Jordan frees Sajida al-Rishawi by sunset Thursday in exchange for Japanese hostage Kenji Goto.

"Rishawi is still in Jordan and the exchange will happen once we receive the proof of life that we asked for," Jordanian government spokesman Mohammad al-Momani said.