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Early Start with John Berman and Zoraida Sambolin

Jordan Retaliates Against ISIS; Deadly Train Crash; Plane Crashes Into River: Death Toll Rising; Patriots Super Bowl Parade Today

Aired February 04, 2015 - 05:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

ANNOUNCER: This is CNN breaking news.

CHRISTINE ROMANS, CNN ANCHOR: Breaking news this morning: Jordan retaliates against ISIS, executing two terrorists overnight, just hours after ISIS released a shocking video showing their Jordanian hostage in a cage burned alive. Live team coverage ahead.

JOHN BERMAN, CNN ANCHOR: Happening now: investigators on the scene after a New York commuter train smashes into an SUV. A horrific scene. Seven people killed. We have the very latest, ahead.

ROMANS: Dramatic video of a passenger plane crashing into a river, 58 people on board. Survivors pulled from the plane with ropes, but this morning, the death toll is climbing. We are live with the latest developments on that story overhead -- overnight ahead.

Good morning and welcome to EARLY START. I'm Christine Romans.

BERMAN: I'm John Berman. Good to see you this morning. It's Wednesday, February 4th. Five a.m. in the East.

We want to welcome our viewers here in the United States and around the world. A busy morning.

Breaking overnight: the kingdom of Jordan has executed two terrorists. One of them, the woman that ISIS was trying to trade for along with the captured -- with a captured Jordanian fighter pilot. Jordan hanging would-be suicide bomber Sajida al-Rishawi at dawn after ISIS released a horrific video that appeared to show the pilot being burned alive.

CNN is not showing any part of this video. It is pure ISIS propaganda.

Jordanians, people around the world are outraged. In Jordan, people on the streets demanding vengeance and the government there vowing to oblige. A government spokesman saying the pilot's blood will not be shed in vain.

Now, Jordan's King Abdullah cut short a visit to Washington to return home. He is expected to land in Amman any minute.

Meanwhile, CNN's Becky Anderson live for us monitoring the situation. Becky, what's the latest?

BECKY ANDERSON, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Yes, those crowds you saw overnight now spilling towards the airport, anticipating the king's imminent arrival. And this just hours after his statement by the father of the 1st Lieutenant Muath Kaseasbeh who was the pilot so brutally executed. He spoke in the last few hours and demanded the following, John. Nothing short of annihilation of ISIS. He wants to revenge the blood of his son, as he says -- executions of the would-be female suicide and one other, not enough, he says.

Assessing the mood both in Jordan and here in the region, at least at this hour, it has to be said that if ISIS thinks that this latest evil will cause regional players in the U.S. fight against them to crack in their support, I'm talking Jordan and others in this region including the UAE, then they have seemingly miscalculated.

He is due back, as we say, in the coming moments. And the king vowed, quote, "punishment and revenge" for the pilot's death. The king describing ISIS as a deviant criminal group. He is expected to visit the village which is in the south of Jordan to pay his condolences to the pilot's family, members of what is an important tribe, provide a lot of military asset to the Jordanian fight against ISIS.

And the UAE's foreign minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, has said overnight as well, quote, "This heinous and obscene act represents a brutal escalation by the terrorist group. It is the defining moment." Very strong, and unequivocal statements being heard inside and outside of the Hashemite kingdom over the past hours.

But here's the rub: exactly how does the coalition ratchet up any action against the militants. Behind closed doors, how much continued support does have the U.S. have for Obama's foreign policy of airstrikes but no commitment for boots on the ground, aside from the local buy-in. Of course, much criticism that military action is not and will not work in isolation.

So, the question at this point is, what is the next step, if this, John, is to be the defining moment?

BERMAN: Becky, we are awaiting King Abdullah's arrival in Jordan right now. We have seen some pictures of crowds gathering. You're looking right here at live pictures. I believe that is in Amman, not in Abu Dhabi.

There we go. Pictures here of people awaiting the arrival of King Abdullah in Jordan.

What do we expect him to do today? Do we expect more words, more speeches or more action from the king, Becky?

ANDERSON: Well, that remains to be seen. What I can tell you from government sources that we have there in Amman is that he is expected to make a short statement. Again, just for our viewers' sake, he is scheduled to arrive now at the airport, having flown back from Washington, cutting short that trip, expected, as I say, to make a short statement either at the airport or more likely, one assumes, from the palace in the Hashemite kingdom.

And then we are expecting him to travel, as I said, to the south of the country where the pilot's family will be in mourning. This is a lad who got married back in July, July the 31st, I believe, and the mourning that the tribe there will be holding will be at exactly the same position or place, we're told, as his wedding ceremony just six months ago.

So, one, we are expecting the king to go to pay his condolences first and foremost to the family, and then to the tribe, which it cannot be underestimated how important the buy-in from the tribes in Jordan is to the country. They provide such important assets so far as the military forces are concerned.

But the king's priority at this point will be sending his condolences, paying his respects and speaking to the tribe who at times there have been some sort of fraction between tribes in support of the country as opposed to those who have seen this fight against their Sunni brother, as it were, as an anathema to them. But I think we see at present there is a sort of united front at this point. It's a question now really of how the king and his government deal with what happens next and indeed how these regional players cope with what clearly will need to be a ratcheting up of the effort against ISIS.

BERMAN: OK, we're looking at live pictures right now in Amman, Jordan, where the Jordanian king, King Abdullah, is scheduled to arrive any minute. You can see these images. Clearly, a nation right now, Jordan, is united in mourning for the death, for the brutal execution of Muath al Kaseasbeh, but also perhaps galvanized now in their opposition to ISIS.

What will that do in the battle against these Islamic terrorists going forward? That remains to be seen. But right now, you can see people gathered, waiting for King Abdullah to arrive back in Amman. We will bring it to you when it comes.

Becky Anderson, thanks so much for being with us.

ROMANS: The murder of that pilot and the way he was murdered prompting shock and outrage across the region and around the world, as you can see in those pictures. And the ISIS propaganda video is certainly a clear effort to rally new fighters to Syria and Iraq where the terror group has launched a new attack against the city of Kirkuk. Iraqi Kurdish Peshmerga forces fighting back, trying to stop this ISIS advance.

Standing by live for us just miles from the front line in that fight is international correspondent Phil Black with the latest.

Phil, for the men on the front line who are fighting ISIS, the news of this video, the pictures of this murder, it must galvanize their efforts.

PHIL BLACK, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Yes, indeed. I think that's right, Christine, because across this region on a daily basis, there is evidence that ISIS is a potent fighting force. And the people here in this Iraqi Kurdish region, they know that because they believe they're living in the pathway of ISIS' ambitions across this region.

ISIS continues to try and advance despite the efforts and the determination of local Kurdish fighters on the ground, despite that international air campaign from above. They still have very firm control of the Iraqi city of Mosul, the country's second largest city. Only a relatively short distance to the west of where I am standing, battle lines between both sides in between.

And despite being under intense pressure, really, because local Kurdish fighters are working increasingly to circle Mosul, to cut it off, to choke it off from ISIS-controlled territory across the border in Syria, that's their goal. They're making steps towards achieving that goal.

Despite their pressure upon ISIS, it has just recently lashed out in this new direction, opening up a new front line near the very strategically important city of Kirkuk. It's important because of its oil reserves, it's important because it's such a big city on the road to the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, as well. New front lines fighting there, a new effort to try and seize territory. Kurdish forces have fought back, have to some degree dented that chance at an advance there.

And I spoke to the governor of the region just a short time ago. He said he believes that they had not backed that advance but only for the moment. He believes that ISIS forces are regrouping, that they're licking their wounds, that they're trying to recruit new forces. Says they've taken heavy losses and they will want to try and avenge that. And he believes firmly they are trying to take the city of Kirkuk.

So, they are still showing, ISIS, this organization, that it is able to move on the front foot to go on the offensive despite being under consistent attack by Kurdish forces on the ground and international forces from the air -- Christine.

ROMANS: All right. Phil Black, thanks for that this morning.

BERMAN: Before leaving Washington, Jordan's King Abdullah met with President Obama at the White House. The president said that the video of the execution of the Jordanian fighter pilot, if authentic, confirms the depravity of ISIS. Jordan says it believes that the pilot, Muath al Kaseasbeh, had been dead for weeks by the time is began bargaining for his life. Officials say they think he was killed on January 3rd.

We want to give you the latest on the U.S. diplomatic and intelligence here. Let's bring in Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr -- Barbara.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: John, Christine, if the claim the pilot was killed back on January 3rd is true, that's a very specific date. How would anybody know that? The U.S. intelligence community looking for any clues it had some intelligence, officials say, but nothing corroborated about when all of this took place. There might be two ways that they might eventually know.

Intercepts of ISIS communications or perhaps the Jordanian intelligence services had some trusted agents on the ground that gave them some information about all of this. But as the Jordanians react in horror and vow revenge, President Obama also very strongly issuing a statement saying that the U.S. stands with Jordan.

BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I think we'll redouble the vigilance and determination on the part of a global coalition to make sure that they are degraded and ultimately defeated.

STARR: And again, that horrifying video being scrutinized frame by frame by the U.S. intelligence community for any clues about the perpetrators -- John, Christine.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

ROMANS: All right. Barbara Starr at the Pentagon, thank you, Barbara.

More breaking news this morning.

NSTB investigators on their way after seven people were killed north of New York City. This is when a commuter train slammed into a Jeep on the tracks during the evening commute. Officials say that the gates at the crossing near Valhalla came down on top of the Jeep which had stopped on the tracks. Now, the driver of the Jeep apparently got out to look at the car and attempted to drive forward and then was hit head on by the oncoming train.

The jeep's driver was killed, along with six people on the train which burst into smoke and flames. The impact sent the electrified third rail through the entire front of the car -- front car of the train, rather, and shoved the SUV the length of 10 train cars. Passengers describe a terrifying ordeal.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

JAMIE WALLACE, PASSENGER: There was a passenger that ran past me. He had blood on his face. And people were pulling the windows off, trying to get out through the emergency window.

DEVON CHAMPAGNE, PASSENGER: A car caught on fire, and the first car caught on fire and the second one, but we were able to get off in time. But it was scary.

FRED BOUNOCORE, PASSENGER: The train went silent. You could tell there was panic going on towards the front of the train, like "Walk back! Walk back! Walk back!"

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ROMANS: Hundreds of passengers in other cars evacuated through the back of the train on a frigid night. They took shelter at nearby businesses. This is the deadliest accident in the history of the Metro North Line. More breaking news this morning, a frantic search for survivors after

a passenger jet with 58 people on board crashes into a river. We're live after the break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ROMANS: Updating our breaking news this morning, Jordan has hanged two terrorists, one of them the would-be suicide bomber who ISIS wanted in exchange for sparing the life of a Jordanian air force pilot. The execution, retaliation for ISIS' apparent murder of that pilot, a murder on display in a horrific new video that shows ISIS militants burning Muath al Kaseasbeh alive, put him in a cage, burned him alive.

Jordan's King Abdullah voicing his people's outrage of that killing and cutting short a visit to Washington to fly home. These crowds are awaiting his arrival, expected at any moment. Before leaving, the king met with President Obama who offered America's condolences on the pilot's death and his administration's strong support.

BERMAN: We have more breaking news this morning, just shocking video of a TransAsia plane crash landing overnight into a river in Taiwan. Look at this. Unbelievable. The final seconds of that night captured on dash cam video courtesy of Taiwan affiliate TVBS.

Fifty-eight passengers and crew were on board. At least 13 people were killed. There are more still unaccounted for this morning, but there are survivors.

I want to bring in David McKenzie monitoring this rescue for us. Good morning, David.

DAVID MCKENZIE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, John.

Yes, miraculous in a way that there were survivors, when you consider the dramatic nature of that crash. When the plane, a turboprop plane, which had just taken off from the Taipei airport flipped essentially and crashed into a barrier on a highway and then plunged into a river. Terrible news, though. We've just got an updated death toll. More than 20 people, in fact, now presumed dead on that plane.

As you say, more than a dozen did, with varying levels of injuries, get away from that crash alive, which is just incredible. Hundreds -- more than 100 rescue workers went to the scene on boats and by foot and managed to pull people out. They're still searching as we speak for survivors. But as the time drags on, it's looking pretty bleak. The head of TransAsia airlines apologized to the passengers and to the crew, but this is the second deadly crash of that airline in just seven months -- John and Christine.

BERMAN: Those pictures of people in the rafts, I saw a baby and I saw what looked like a young boy as well among the survivors. Miraculous that anyone survived.

With the news David McKenzie bringing us, at least 20 people now confirmed death in this stunning plane crash in Taiwan. David McKenzie, thanks so much.

We'll bring you the latest as it comes in.

ROMANS: All right. Nineteen minutes after the hour.

Tom Brady has the girl, the trophy and now the shiny red pickup truck for being the Super Bowl MVP. He's keeping the girl, he's keeping trophy, but he doesn't want the truck. So, who does he want to hand it off to? Andy Scholes has the details in "The Bleacher Report" next.

With all the travel problems over the past few weeks, some people may be thinking about travel insurance in the U.S. if your flight gets delayed due to weather, airlines are not obligated to pay for anything, which usually means sleeping in the terminal. Travel insurance can pay for your meals and your hotel. If you get sick when you're traveling, your U.S.-based health insurance typically won't cover anything, but travel insurance can pay for medical experiences and cost for emergency transport to a hospital around the globe.

But if you want to go home for treatment, you'll need to sign up for an air medical transport membership. That comes at an additional cost. Remember, not all travel insurance policies are the same, so make sure you research the one that's right for you.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BERMAN: All right. Patriots fans better have their snowshoes as they hit the streets in Boston for the Super Bowl victory parade.

ROMANS: Andy Scholes has more on this morning's "Bleacher Report".

Hey, Andy.

ANDY SCHOLES, CNN SPORTS CORRESPONDENT: They'll need lots of hot chocolate in Boston. The forecast, 29 degrees and snowing when the Patriots parade scheduled to start at 11:00 Eastern this morning.

The parade was originally scheduled for Tuesday but was pushed back a day due to weather. Tom Brady, Bill Belichick and company will start at Prudential Tower, move up Boylston Street and eventually end at city hall. That's going to be it. No rally this time around because of the bitter cold and snow.

Of course, the parade will not be possible without the most talked- about play in Super Bowl history. Malcolm Butler after picking off Russell Wilson will now forever be a Patriots hero. And Brady, he wants to give him a little extra reward for helping him win his fourth Super Bowl.

Yesterday on his weekly radio show, Brady said he wants to give the truck he got for being MVP to Butler, adding, "We are going to figure out a way to make it happen."

All right. Patriots fans are still celebrating, Seahawks fans still trying to figure out how they aren't back-to-back champs. Head coach Pete Carroll said it was ultimately his call to throw it on second down from the one-yard line. It's being called the worst decision in NFL history. But Russell Wilson is standing by the play call.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

RUSSELL WILSON, SEAHAWKS QUARTERBACK: No doubt on the play call. I still don't to this day. I just wish we made the play. When I threw it, touchdown, second Super Bowl ring. If we had made the touchdown, you guys would be sitting here asking me different questions.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SCHOLES: A new low for cyclist Lance Armstrong. Police say he struck two parked car while driving his SUV, left the scene and then had his girlfriend take the blame for the crash. It happened in December after a night of partying in Aspen, Colorado. Armstrong was cited for failing to report the accident and speeding but only after Anna Hanson admitted that she lied for him. Armstrong reportedly had his girlfriend take the fall to avoid any national attention.

John, back to the Patriots. I want to know what time you leaving for Boston this morning?

BERMAN: It's too cold for me. I'm going to watch it in the comfort of my own home with my Patriots parka on, Andy. But thank you.

I'm surprised about Lance Armstrong because he seems like such a nice guy.

ROMANS: I know, so out of character.

BERMAN: All right. Andy, appreciate it.

ROMANS: Breaking news this morning, Jordan retaliates against ISIS, executing two terrorists after ISIS brutally kills a captured Jordanian pilot. New developments overnight, next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)