Brit, 22, killed fighting IS gangs

A BRITISH man has died while fighting against the Islamic State in Syria, says a Kurdish military force.

The People’s Protection Units (YPG) said Luke Rutter, from Birkenhead, died in the city of Raqqa on July 5.

A video of a “final message” from the 22-year-old, also known as Soro Zinar, was posted on the force’s Facebook page.

In the video, Mr Rutter apologised for lying to his loved ones about going to fight.

He said: “I lied to people I care about to come here. I said that I was going somewhere else, I didn’t.

“I apologise massively for that.

“Apart from that I don’t regret my decision and I hope that you respect it.”

He said he had learned basic soldiering skills and the Kurdish language at the YPG academy.

He added: “My reasons for joining the YPG I think are like everyone else’s.

“I think the YPG, they stand for the best opportunity for peace that this region might have.”

A statement on the YPG’s Facebook page said: “Comrade Soro travelled to Rojava in March and joined the YPG to fight the fascist and reactionary Daesh (ISIS) gangs in Raqqa.

“He was martyred on 5 July 2017 after battling bravely in the terrorist group’s so-called capital.

“The people of Rojava will not forget his sacrifice.”