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        US Man Suspected of Fighting Alongside Militants Killed in Syria

   by VOA News

   A White House spokeswoman has confirmed the death of an American man
   believed to be fighting alongside militants in Syria.

   National Security Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said in a
   statement Tuesday that officials had been aware of Douglas McCain's
   presence in Syria.

   U.S. officials believe there are dozens of American fighting with
   militants in Syria and Iraq.

   Hayden said the government is continuing efforts to "disrupt and
   dissuade individuals from traveling abroad for violent jihad."

   An uncle told CNN the 33-year-old McCain converted from Christianity to
   Islam several years ago.

   Meanwhile, an American journalist who was held by militants in Syria
   for nearly two years has returned home. The family of Peter Curtis said
   he arrived back in the United States late Tuesday.

   He released a statement thanking U.S. officials who worked for his
   return, as well as Qatar, which negotiated his release.

   Also Tuesday, the White House said there were no plans to coordinate
   with Syria to fight Islamic State militants.

   Spokesman John Earnest said Tuesday the United States does not
   recognize the regime of President Bashar al-Assad as the leader of
   Syria, and has no plans to change that policy.

   Reports say the Pentagon already has started surveillance flights over
   Syria to track the movements of the Islamic State, ahead of possible
   airstrikes on the militants.

   President Barack Obama authorized the flights Monday, but U.S.
   officials have declined to say whether they have begun.
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References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/us-man-suspected-of-fighting-alongside-militants-killed-in-syria/2429355.html