Jordanian soldier sentenced to life imprisonment for killing three US military trainers

A Jordanian soldier has been sentenced to life imprisonment by a military court for killing three U.S. trainers.

Marik al-Tuwayha was convicted by the court on Monday of premeditated murder for opening fire on vehicles approaching a military base in al-Jafr, about 190 miles east of Amman in November.

Jordanian authorities joined by the FBI had launched an investigation into the incident as three U.S. Special Forces soldiers died in the shooting

According to local reports, Tuwayha had pleaded not guilty and said he opened fire on the U.S. troops out of fear the base was under attack.

Initially the Jordan's military had said the incident occurred because the U.S. trainers attempted to enter the gate without following the orders to stop from guard but later withdrew the claim and supported charges against Tuwayha.

The families of the slain U.S. soldiers were also present during the sentencing.

Criticizing the life in prison sentence as not severe enough, the families of the slain U.S. soldiers called for the death penalty to be given to the convict.