British man who joined Kurdish forces to fight ISIS killed in Syria

A British chef who flew to Syria to battle ISIS was killed throughout a gun battle simply earlier than Christmas, Kurdish activists declare. 

Ryan Lock, from Chichester, died throughout an offensive by anti-Islamic State forces close to Raqqa in northern Syria on December 21. 

The 20-year-old, who had no army background, flew to Rojava to affix the Kurdish Individuals's Defence Items (YPG) final August.

Former chef Ryan Lock (pictured), from Chichester, died simply earlier than Christmas day throughout an offensive by anti-Islamic State forces close to Raqqa in northern Syria

He instructed family and friends he was going to Turkey on vacation, however in a Fb standing admitted he was truly flying to Syria to affix Kurdish militia.

He wrote: 'I am on my strategy to Rojava. I lied about going to Turkey. I'm sorry I did not inform anybody. I really like all of you and I will likely be again in six months.' 

Images Mr Lock posted on social media present him smiling in camouflage gear and holding a rifle.  

In an announcement to the Guardian, Mr Lock's father, Jon, stated: 'Ryan was a really caring and loving boy who would do any factor to assist anybody. He had a coronary heart of gold. We ask for privateness to permit our household to grieve.' 

The YPG provided condolences Mr Lock's household after his loss of life on December 21. In an announcement it stated: 'Ryan joined actively in our offensive towards the phobia risk that Isis triggered upon Rojava, Kurdistan.

'Right here, on the darkish hours of 21 December 2016, we misplaced our courageous companion Ryan and 4 different fighters in Jaeber village.

'Ryan was not solely a fighter offering extra drive to our wrestle. Actually, along with his expertise and data he has been an instance for youthful fighters. 

'Whereas he has reached an enormous quantity of accomplishment up in our frontlines, Ryan has served the aim of an important bridge between us, the Kurds of Rojava. He crossed continents for the future of our folks and humanity.' 

Images Mr Lock posted on social media present him smiling in camouflage gear and holding a rifle. He instructed family and friends he was going to Turkey on vacation however in a Fb standing admitted he was truly flying to Syria to affix Kurdish militia

Mr Lock posted concerning the risks he confronted throughout his time in Syria on social media.  On November 24 it's thought lots of his unit died in a bombing in Arima, a village 13 miles north-east of the Isis-held metropolis of Bab. 

Mr Lock posted an image of his accidents and stated two of his pals, Anton and Michael, 'have been killed amongst many others'.

He went on to insist he was 'staying to complete out my six months'. 

In July final 12 months 222-year-old farmer Dean Evans was killed in northern Syria when as he tried to rescue a fallen comrade throughout a road battle/

A International Workplace spokesperson stated: 'The UK has suggested for a while towards all journey to Syria. 

'As all UK consular providers there are suspended, this can be very troublesome to verify the standing and whereabouts of British nationals in Syria. 

'Anybody who does journey to those areas, for no matter cause, is placing themselves in appreciable hazard.'

 

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