First British fighter killed in Syria named as Ibrahim al-Mazwagi
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The first British-born casualty of the Syrian civil war has been revealed as Ibrahim al-Mazwagi, a 21-year-old jihadist who graduated from Hertfordshire University last year.
To his friends, he was a sociable member of the university's American football team, but to rebels in Syria, he was one of about 80 British men who are believed to have joined the fight against Bashar al-Assad in the last two years. According to the Facebook page set up in his honour, the north Londoner had fought in Libya in 2011 before heading to fight alongside his "brothers" in Syria last August. Announcing his death, a message on the page read: "He took part of [sic] a major operation against the Assad regime forces yesterday and passed in the ensuing battles."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments