8 Jun 2014

Confirmation NZer killed in Syria

12:00 pm on 8 June 2014

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has confirmed reports a New Zealander has been killed in Syria and says it provided consular support in relation to the case.

The ministry said it would not be releasing any other details, to protect the person's privacy and that of his family. It said other material on the case had been withheld for security reasons.

The ministry's statement referred to a public comment made by Syria's Permanent Representative in New York about tourists coming from other countries, including New Zealand, to join the fighting in Syria.

It said it was also aware of another New Zealander, in Australia, who was barred from leaving for Syria by the Australian authorities.