Jordan's first female F-16 pilot celebrated as 'hero'
Jordanian women are playing an increasingly prominent role in the country’s military, though challenges remain. There have been notable female air force pilots in other countries throughout the Middle East as well.
Sabaa Thnaibat, the first Jordanian woman to ever fly an F-16 fighter jet is being celebrated as a hero in the country. Jordanians on social media embraced their latest "nashama" (hero in Jordanian), and touted her achievement.
Thnaibat flew the American-made military aircraft from the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in eastern Jordan. Air Force Brig. Gen. Muhammad Fathi Hiasat said her achievement was the result of King Abdullah II’s support for female participation in the military, the state-owned Al-Mamlaka reported.
Some Jordanians celebrated Thnaibat’s feat on social media. One Twitter user wrote “very proud of our heroes” in response to the news.
