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Defense Dept. Identifies Decorated US Special Ops Soldier Killed In Syria Attack

CBN

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On Saturday, the US Department of Defense released the name of a soldier who was killed in an improvised explosive device attack in Syria.

Master Sgt. Jonathan Dunbar, 36, of Austin, Texas, was deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. 

He was killed Thrusday after an IED detonated in Manbij, Syria, while on he was patrol.

Another coalition service member was also killed and five others were wounded in the explosion. 

The incident is under investigation.

Soldier's Awards and Decorations

Dunbar was assigned to the headquarters of US Army Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the Pentagon said.

"His distinguished service reflected a man that was happiest when professionally tested on operations," an Army statement said. "He relished responsibility, the opportunity to contribute and when the time came, to lead. He was a natural in this role."

According to information from USASOC, Dunbar first entered the Army as an infantryman in May 2005.

His first assignment was with 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment at Fort Bragg. During his tenure, he deployed once to Afghanistan and once to Iraq in support of combat operations.

In November 2009, Dunbar transitioned to 2nd Squadron, 38th Cavalry Regiment (Long Range Surveillance) at Fort Hood, Texas, where he served for four years as a squad leader.

During his time at Fort Hood, Dunbar deployed to Iraq again in support of combat operations.

In 2013, Dunbar was assigned to USASOC, where he served as a team member and deployed three times in support of combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Dunbar's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (third award), the Army Commendation Medal (fourth award), the Army Achievement Medal (sixth award), the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, the Iraq Campaign Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, the Ranger Tab, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Pathfinder Badge, the Military Freefall Jumpmaster Badge, and the Parachutist Badge.

The War In Syria Continues

The United States maintains about 2,000 troops in Syria, who mostly work with local allies fighting ISIS.

He is the fourth American service member to die in Syria since the US began attacking Islamic State group militants there in September 2014.

President Donald Trump said Thursday that the United States would "be coming out of Syria like very soon," just hours after the Pentagon highlighted the need for US troops to remain in the country for the immediate future.

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