Report: American Citizen Carried Out Suicide Bombing in Syria

A U.S. citizen carried out a suicide bombing in Syria on behalf of an Al Qaeda affiliated terrorist group, law enforcement and counterterrorism officials told NBC News.

The officials, who spoke to NBC on the condition of anonymity, said they have identified the individual, but declined to release additional information.

This is likely the first suicide bombing executed by an American in the Syrian civil war.

Laith Alkhouri, an NBC News counterterrorism analyst, said reports suggested "the truck used in the suicide bombing allegedly carried over 16 tons of explosives."

[sharequote align="center"]“[T]here is no doubt his image and action will be used in future propaganda material..."[/sharequote]

“His choice of a suicide bombing is a clear indication that he intended on staying and dying in Syria; never to again return, “ he said. “[T]here is no doubt his image and action will be used in future propaganda material specifically for this goal."

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