British SAS soldier killed near Manbij named as Sergeant Matt Tonroe
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – A British soldier killed in northern Syria alongside an American member of the anti-ISIS international coalition has been named by the UK Ministry of Defence as Sergeant Matt Tonroe of the Parachute Regiment.
Tonroe, 33, was embedded with US forces when he was killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) on Thursday night. He is the first British soldier killed fighting ISIS in Syria.
“Tonroe, from the 3st Battalion of the Parachute Regiment, was tragically killed in action whilst on duty in the Middle East on the March 29, 2018,” the ministry said in a statement.
The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported four members of the Manbij Military Council (MMC) were also injured.
The American killed alongside him is yet to be named.
Sergeant Tonroe was born in Manchester on the August 14, 1984. He enlisted in the Army in 2004.
He joined the 3rd Battalion of The Parachute Regiment in Colchester where he served as part of the Sniper Platoon. He deployed numerous times on operations to Afghanistan and the Middle East.
“He was well known within his unit, well-liked by all and he will be sorely missed. When talking of Matt, his colleagues recount his humor, mischief and endless endeavors. Laid back, but a consummate professional, Matt was utterly selfless and always strived to achieve excellence,” the ministry added.
Gavin Williamson, Britain’s defence secretary, honored Tonroe’s courage.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Sergeant Matt Tonroe at this dreadful time,” Williamson said in a statement.
“Sergeant Tonroe served his country with great distinction and it is clear from the tributes made by his colleagues that he was not only exceptionally dedicated and courageous but also a gifted and intelligent instructor who was respected by everyone he served with. Sergeant Tonroe fought to protect British values, our freedoms and to keep us back at home safe. His sacrifice, unflinching commitment and bravery will never be forgotten,” he added.
Tonroe was also honored by his commanding officer.
“Matt Tonroe was a deeply intelligent man and one of life’s characters. He was a caring and considerate soul, a loving and dutiful son, and a friend to many,” the unnamed officer said in a statement from the ministry.
“Yet he had a steel core, served his country with pride and was a first class soldier, proven in combat, faced risk willingly and was ever ready for more. He thus died as he lived: daring and fearless in duty. We mourn his loss dearly, are proud to have known him and will honour him by continuing this fight.”
Tonroe is survived by his mother Michelle, his brother Alex and girlfriend Olivia.
Britain is among the 70-nation international coalition to defeat ISIS.
Turkey has recently threatened to march east on Manbij where a contingent of international forces are supporting anti-ISIS operations with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The backbone of the SDF is the Kurdish-led Peoples’ Protection Units (YPG), which Ankara considers a terrorist organization.
Tonroe, 33, was embedded with US forces when he was killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) on Thursday night. He is the first British soldier killed fighting ISIS in Syria.
“Tonroe, from the 3st Battalion of the Parachute Regiment, was tragically killed in action whilst on duty in the Middle East on the March 29, 2018,” the ministry said in a statement.
The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported four members of the Manbij Military Council (MMC) were also injured.
The American killed alongside him is yet to be named.
Sergeant Tonroe was born in Manchester on the August 14, 1984. He enlisted in the Army in 2004.
He joined the 3rd Battalion of The Parachute Regiment in Colchester where he served as part of the Sniper Platoon. He deployed numerous times on operations to Afghanistan and the Middle East.
“He was well known within his unit, well-liked by all and he will be sorely missed. When talking of Matt, his colleagues recount his humor, mischief and endless endeavors. Laid back, but a consummate professional, Matt was utterly selfless and always strived to achieve excellence,” the ministry added.
Gavin Williamson, Britain’s defence secretary, honored Tonroe’s courage.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Sergeant Matt Tonroe at this dreadful time,” Williamson said in a statement.
“Sergeant Tonroe served his country with great distinction and it is clear from the tributes made by his colleagues that he was not only exceptionally dedicated and courageous but also a gifted and intelligent instructor who was respected by everyone he served with. Sergeant Tonroe fought to protect British values, our freedoms and to keep us back at home safe. His sacrifice, unflinching commitment and bravery will never be forgotten,” he added.
Tonroe was also honored by his commanding officer.
“Matt Tonroe was a deeply intelligent man and one of life’s characters. He was a caring and considerate soul, a loving and dutiful son, and a friend to many,” the unnamed officer said in a statement from the ministry.
“Yet he had a steel core, served his country with pride and was a first class soldier, proven in combat, faced risk willingly and was ever ready for more. He thus died as he lived: daring and fearless in duty. We mourn his loss dearly, are proud to have known him and will honour him by continuing this fight.”
Tonroe is survived by his mother Michelle, his brother Alex and girlfriend Olivia.
Britain is among the 70-nation international coalition to defeat ISIS.
Turkey has recently threatened to march east on Manbij where a contingent of international forces are supporting anti-ISIS operations with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The backbone of the SDF is the Kurdish-led Peoples’ Protection Units (YPG), which Ankara considers a terrorist organization.