Amman, Jordan: The burning alive of a Jordanian pilot by the Islamic State group has shocked and angered Jordanians, uniting them behind their government's vow to intensify its military action against the jihadists.

Jordan is one of several Arab states to have joined the US-led campaign against IS in Syria and Iraq, and has taken part in air strikes against jihadist positions since September.

Kassasbeh's murder has even prompted speculation the kingdom may prepare ground troops to confront IS.

In a statement Wednesday, King Abdullah II vowed a ‘severe’ response, saying ‘the blood of martyr Maaz al-Kassasbeh will not be in vain’.

In the video, a man said to be Kassasbeh, dressed in an orange jumpsuit, is burned to death in a metal cage. A masked militant is seen lighting a trail of flame which eventually engulfs the pilot.

As news of the killing broke, Jordanians came out onto the streets to denounce Kassasbeh's death and demanded revenge against IS.

People want revenge

"Jordanians are so angry and would strongly support any action that leads to strong retaliation," political writer and columnist Labib Kamhawi told AFP. "People want revenge."

The authorities moved quickly to respond to the killing by executing two Iraqi jihadists who had been on death row, including would-be suicide bomber Sajida al-Rishawi.

IS had demanded her release in return for keeping Kassasbeh alive.

On Wednesday the Islamic Action Front, the political wing of Jordan's Muslim Brotherhood which has opposed Amman's participation in air strikes, criticised "the odious crime committed by the terrorist organisation" IS.

Large crowds gathered close to the capital's international airport to welcome home King Abdullah, who cut short a visit to the United States after hearing of Kassasbeh's murder.