Amsterdam jihadist reportedly killed in Syria

A Dutch jihadist from Amsterdam was recently killed in the ongoing conflict in Syria. This is believed to have taken place during clashes in the Syrian border-town of Kobani, reported newswire ANP. The jihadist is a 29-year-old Amsterdammer, named Rafik, of Moroccan heritage. He was acquainted with Abu Hamza (real name Ismael Faiq), another Dutch person known to have joined jihadists in Syria. Hamza died in that country early last year. Both men lived in Amsterdam Noord. Rafik's family still lives in Amsterdam and was informed about his death. "Rafik" left for Syria in 2013 with a few other men from Amsterdam. After having spent a few months there, he returned to the Netherlands and was arrested at Schiphol Airport. The reason for his return is not known, ANP says. Several months later, he departed again for Syria, where he was married.