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Aussie fighter killed in Syria will be returned for burial: media

Xinhua, July 6, 2016 Adjust font size:

The body of an Australian man who was killed while battling Islamic State militants in northern Syria will be returned to Australia for burial more than a month after he died.

Former Australian army engineer Jamie Bright, 44, was killed in late May after more than 18 months fighting alongside Kurdish militants against IS.

Sighting social media posts supporting the Kurdish campaign, local media reported on Wednesday the man's coffin has been adorned with flowers and flags and will be returned to the man's home city of Perth in Western Australia. The posts included a photos of his comrades lined up behind the coffin in a mark of respect.

"The body of freedom fighter Jamie Bright is expected to be back in Australia by the end of this week," the Queensland state-based Harding family, who's son Reece also died fighting IS militants alongside Kurdish forces, said in a statement posted on social media.

"His body (was) transferred from Rojava (north Syria) to Iraqi Kurdistan on (the) 5th of July."

The Australian government maintains Australians should not seek to join foreign conflicts, instilling hash penalties for members who join either side of the conflict.

Before his death, Bright defended his actions saying he wanted to help the Kurdish people in "any way I can". Endit