A British SAS soldier who died fighting Islamic State in Syria was killed by friendly fire, not by an enemy roadside bomb as originally claimed, an investigation has found.
Sergeant Matt Tonroe, 33, from Manchester, died alongside US commando Master Sergeant Jonathan J Dunbar in March 2018 during a joint operation with American special forces in Manbij, northern Syria. US defence chiefs initially blamed their deaths on an improvised explosive device (IED), but a subsequent investigation concluded that Tonroe was killed by an explosive carried by a colleague.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: 'Sergeant Matt Tonroe died from blast injuries caused by an explosion during a military operation. It was initially believed that Sgt Tonroe was killed by enemy action, however subsequent investigation concluded that Sgt Tonroe was killed by the accidental detonation of explosives carried by coalition forces.'
Tonroe, who joined the army in 2004, served in the 3rd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment before passing selection for the Special Air Services Regiment. In Syria, he was embedded in Seal Team 6, the unit that killed Osama Bin Laden. He was on a mission to capture or kill high-value Isis personnel when he died; five others were injured in the blast.
Tributes described Tonroe as 'well-liked and capable' and a 'consummate professional'. His commanding officer said: 'We mourn his loss dearly, are proud to have known him and will honour him by continuing this fight.' Tonroe is survived by his mother Michelle, brother Alex and girlfriend Olivia.
