Special operations forces from Kuwait, Jordan, France, and the US performed a boarding drill at the Eager Lion military exercise in the coastal city of Aqaba in June. Muhammad Hamed/REUTERS Jordan's military has promised an "earth-shattering" response against the Islamic State after the group released a video in which Jordanian pilot Moaz al-Kasasbe was burned alive.

There are already unconfirmed reports that Jordan has carried out airstrikes against the Islamic State, also known as ISIS or ISIL, in Mosul. Beyond airstrikes, Jordan could further contribute to the fight against ISIS through the use of its extremely effective special forces units.

Jordan's special forces team, grouped under Jordan's Joint Special Operations Command, is 14,000 strong and is one of the most effective fighting and intelligence forces in the region. Jordanian special forces frequently train alongside US forces.

Meanwhile, Jordan is a global center for special forces training operations. Jordan's King Abdullah Special Operations Training Center (KASOTC) is the centerpiece of the country's Special Operations capabilities and is routinely used by other countries.

The facility, which includes training like simulated airline hijackings and close-quarter fighting in addition to K9 integration exercises, also hosts the annual Special Operations Forces Exhibition and Conference.

This focus reflects ruler King Abdullah II's past assignment within the nation's special forces and his certification as a Cobra pilot. In 1996, with US help, Abdullah began the reorganization of the country's special forces into a more modern force.

Formed in 1963, the Jordanian special forces have been trained to conduct reconnaissance, combat, and counterterrorism operations.

Jordanian special forces guarding the state security court in Amman in 2006. Ali Jarekji/REUTERS

One of the Jordanian special forces' chief duties is guarding Jordan's national borders. This mission took on increased importance following mounting instability in Iraq after 2006.

Jordanian Army anti-Terrorism squad members stand on alert in the Yajouz hills on the edge of Amman April 26, 2005. [The U.S.-backed Jordanian government is responding to what it sees as a higher risk of terror attacks by boosting its special forces and training troops from neighbouring countries such as Iraq.] Ali Jarekji/REUTERS

The potential for violent spillover from Iraq and Syria has caused the special forces to put increased emphasis on counterterrorism operations. Here, service members conduct a mock anti-hijacking operation.

Jordan's special forces simulating an operation in response to a plane hijacking, in a demonstration of skills at the official inauguration of the US-funded King Abdullah Special Operations Training Centre in Amman in 2009. The center aims to be a regional base for urban-warfare training. Ali Jarekji/REUTERS

Jordanian forces have also trained alongside the US for anti-hijacking missions.

Jordanian and US special forces during a hijack simulation during their Eager Lion military exercise in Amman in 2012. Ali Jarekji/REUTERS

Most of Jordan is a dry desert, but the special forces train in all manner of environments. Here, special forces train to carry out a water-borne assault.

US soldiers watching others during the boarding drill. Muhammad Hamed/REUTERS

Jordan's special forces have also benefited from actual combat experience, including multiple deployments to Afghanistan.

Special operations forces from Kuwait, Jordan, France, and the US took part in a boarding drill during the Eager Lion military exercise in the coastal city of Aqaba in 2014. Muhammad Hamed/REUTERS

Aside from military capabilities, Jordanian special forces have proved adept at intelligence gathering. Internal instability and terrorism have turned into major concerns for the Jordanian monarchy.