British man killed fighting IS alongside YPG Kurdish forces in Syria
A British man has been killed fighting so-called Islamic State in Syria, Kurdish activists have told the BBC.
BBC added that Ryan Lock, 20, from Chichester, West Sussex, travelled to join Kurdish forces known as the YPG in August.
His family said Mr Lock, a chef who had no military experience, was a “very caring and loving boy”.
In a letter seen by the BBC, the YPG said he was killed on 21 December in Jaeber village in the battle for the Syrian city of Raqqa, according to the BBC.
The letter offered condolences to the family of Mr Lock, who went to school in Hampshire, saying his loss had “affected us deeply “.
It said Mr Lock – who was given the Kurdish name Berxwedan Givara – joined the YPG on 4 September and had “participated actively” in the conflict in Syria, the BBC learned.
“Ryan was not only a fighter providing additional force to our struggle. In fact, with his experience and knowledge he has been an example for younger fighters,” it said.
He was killed alongside four other YPG fighters during an offensive launched by the Kurdish force, the letter, which was dated 23 December, added.
It said Mr Lock’s family had lost “their beloved son” and “we the YPG lost our daring and courageous companion, the BBC reported.
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