The White House on Tuesday disputed claims by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria that American Kayla Mueller died during a Jordanian airstrike, saying the cause of her death remains unknown.
The Islamic State has tried to link Mueller’s death, which was officially confirmed by U.S. officials Tuesday, to a Jordanian airstrike on the terrorist group.
The White House said the intelligence community has not seen any information to support the Islamic State claims and argues that the terrorist group is responsible for Mueller’s death regardless of how it was carried out.
“There is no evidence of civilians in the target area,” Earnest said of the Jordanian airstrike launched in response to pilot 1st Lt. Moaz al-Kasasbeh being burned alive by the terrorist group.
Obama’s top spokesman said the intelligence assessment “calls into question” the version of events provided by the Islamic State.
“They are responsible for her death,” Earnest said, noting that the Islamic State held Mueller against her will and were accountable for her well being.
Earnest said that Mueller’s parents received a message from her captors over the weekend, which was enough for the Obama administration to verify the death of the 26-year-old Arizonan.
