This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-26139884
The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 1 | Version 2 |
---|---|
Syria suicide attack: Probe into 'UK bomber' | |
(about 1 hour later) | |
UK counter-terrorism officials are urgently investigating reports that a British jihadist blew himself up in Syria last week. | |
If confirmed, this would be the first such case since a Briton carried out a suicide bombing in Gaza in 2003. | |
The al-Qaeda-linked rebel group in Syria, al-Nusra Front, named the Briton as Abu Suleiman al-Britani. | |
It said he had driven a truck full of explosives at the walls of Aleppo prison on Thursday and detonated it. | |
Abu Suleiman al-Britani is believed to be from Sussex. | |
Hundreds of British nationals are thought to have gone to Syria to fight against government forces. | |
One in 10 foreign militants is believed to be from Europe, with most of the others believed to have come from Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Libya. | One in 10 foreign militants is believed to be from Europe, with most of the others believed to have come from Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Libya. |
Prisoners 'escape' | |
The bombing was reportedly part of an attempted jailbreak by fighters from the hardline Islamist groups, Ahrar-al-Sham and the al-Nusra Front. | |
Heavy fighting broke out between the rebels and Syrian forces, causing dozens of casualties on both sides. | |
Activists said as many as 300 inmates managed to escape, but the Syrian government denied the report. | |
Forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad regained control of most of the prison last Friday, after 24 hours of clashes. | |
Rebels have launched several attacks on the Aleppo jail in recent months. Up to 3,000 inmates are believed to be held inside the prison. | |
Syria's conflict has claimed more than 100,000 lives since 2011 and has driven 9.5 million people from their homes. |