Japan, Jordan Await News of Prisoner Swap with Islamic State

Leaders in Jordan and Japan are anxiously awaiting word of the fate of a Jordanian air force pilot and a Japanese journalist following a planned prisoner swap with the Islamic State.

The terrorist group, which had been holding the two men hostage, has been quiet on their decision to go through with the prisoner swap. Jordanian officials previously agreed to release Sajida Rishawi, who allegedly took part in hotel bombing in 2005, for Lt. Moaz Kasasbeh, who is being held hostage by the terrorist group.

Meanwhile, Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said officials are working to free journalist Kenji Goto, also being held by the terrorist group.

"We are gathering and analyzing information while asking for cooperation from Jordan and other countries, making every effort to free Kenji Goto," he said this week.

"We will inform you of any developments in due time," Jordanian military spokesman Mamdouh Ameri added in a statement.

The Islamic State had previously threatened to kill the two hostages if their demands were not met. The mother of Kenji Goto recently released a statement pleading with Japan's ofifcials, including Prime Minister Abe, to help free her son.

"Please save Kenji's life. I call on you to work with all your strength in negotiations with the Jordanian government," Goto's mother, Junko Ishido, wrote in a letter to Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday.

"His remaining time is very short [...] I beg you to do everything in your power," Ishido added.