SAS soldier who died in Syria was killed by ‘US friendly fire’, investigation finds

An SAS soldier who died while fighting Islamic State in Syria last year was killed by American friendly fire and not in a roadside bomb, an investigation has found.

Sergeant Matt Tonroe, from the 3rd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment, was initially reported to have died in a roadside bombing in March 2018 while he was embedded with US forces.

US commando Master Sergeant Jonathan J Dunbar was also killed and five others were injured.

An investigation into the blast in Manbij, northern Syria, concluded that Sgt Tonroe was killed by an explosive which was being carried by a colleague.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: “Sergeant Matt Tonroe died from blast injuries caused by an explosion during a military operation.

“It was initially believed that Sgt Tonroe was killed by enemy action; however, a subsequent investigation concluded that Sgt Tonroe was killed by the accidental detonation of explosives carried by US coalition forces.

“Our thoughts continue to be with Sgt Tonroe’s family and friends.”

A statement from the Pentagon released after the incident had attributed the explosion to an improvised explosive device.

Sgt Tonroe was described as “daring and fearless” following his death, which was the first of any serving member of the British armed forces in the fight against Islamic State.

After initial training he joined the parachute regiment as part of the sniper platoon and “rapidly developed an array of competencies and combat experiences that were to lay the foundations of an outstanding career”, the MoD said at the time of his death.

Manbij, an Arab-Kurdish mixed town, is close to the border with Turkey.

(c) Sky News 2019: SAS soldier who died in Syria was killed by ‘US friendly fire’, investigation finds