A British special forces soldier killed during an anti-Islamic State operation in Syria has been described as "daring and fearless".

Sergeant Matt Tonroe, from the 3rd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment, died in an improvised explosive device blast on Thursday while embedded with US forces.

His is the first death of a serving member of the British armed forces in the fight against Islamic State.

The roadside bomb in northern Syria also killed an American serviceman, and wounded five others.

The US military did not confirm the location of the blast, but it came soon after one was reported in Manbij by a Syrian official.


Manbij, an Arab-Kurdish mixed town close to the border with Turkey, is at risk of a Turkish military offensive.

Image: US forces armoured vehicles near Manbij. File pic

In a statement, the MoD confirmed "with great sadness" that Sgt Tonroe "was tragically killed in action whilst on duty in the Middle East on the 29th March 2018".

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".

Sgt Tonroe's officer commanding (the commander of his sub-unit) said: "If you had met Matt Tonroe, then you would have liked him. He bristled with the contentment of a life lived to its full.

"His bravery and talent as a solider, was matched by his compassion as a human being. He was an individual, with the courage to set his own course, and the perspective to see new possibilities at every turn.

"He was destined for great things in our unit; his leadership was both natural and apparently effortless. He is already missed.

"Without Matt, our company has lost some of its humour; some of its warmth; and some of its sheer opportunism. We will always remember him."

Special forces soldier killed in Syria

His commanding officer described Sgt Tonroe as "a deeply intelligent man and one of life's characters"

The unnamed officer added: "[Sgt Tonroe] 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."

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: "My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Sergeant Matt Tonroe at this dreadful time.

"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."

The MoD statement said that Sgt Tonroe was "very much a family man, making every effort to see his beloved mum around numerous overseas deployments.

"He is survived by his mother Michelle, his brother Alex and girlfriend Olivia."

It is standard policy for the Ministry of Defence to neither confirm nor deny membership of the special forces