In September 2023, the international community was alerted to the death of Daniel Burke, a 36-year-old British veteran found deceased in the Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine. Burke, originally from Wythenshawe, Manchester, had been reported missing by his family on August 16, 2023, prompting a thorough investigation into his whereabouts. The primary suspect in the case has been identified as another international volunteer, Abdelfetah ‘Adam’ Nourine, known as “Jihadi Adam,” a dual Australian and Algerian citizen. Nourine is believed to have fled the area subsequent to Burke’s death, initiating a global manhunt. Daniel Burke was the leader of an International volunteer unit called the Dark Angels.
Our Beloved British Brother Daniel Burke, who had been serving in Ukraine as a Volunteer succumbed on the Battlefield.
Honor, Glory and Gratitude To Our Brother.
September 17, 2023. pic.twitter.com/pHuHAYuo2n— Mykhailo Rohoza (@MykhailoRohoza) April 3, 2024
Background and Military Involvement: Before his death, Daniel Burke was recognized for his commendable military background and active engagement in conflict zones. A former member of the British Parachute Regiment, Burke extended his commitment to fighting the Islamic State by joining the Kurdish YPG (People’s Protection Units) in Syria. During 2017 and 2018, he actively participated in combat operations against the Islamic State group, aligning with Kurdish forces that were, and still are, allies of Western forces in the fight against terrorism.
Controversial Terrorism Charges Burke’s return to the UK was met with controversy when, in 2019, he was arrested on terrorism charges related to his activities abroad. The charges pertained to his alleged attempt to travel back to Syria and his assistance in facilitating travel for another Brit to the region in order to fight alongside the YPG. This period marked a significant challenge in Burke’s life, as the YPG, while considered a crucial ally of the west, is viewed with suspicion by some countries due to its links to the PKK, a Kurdish militant and political organization. After spending eight months imprisoned, the Crown Prosecution Service ultimately dropped the charges against Burke in 2020.
Investigation into Burke’s Death: The Greater Manchester Police (GMP), in collaboration with Ukrainian law enforcement agencies, has spearheaded the investigation into Burke’s death. Upon the repatriation of Burke’s body to the UK, forensic specialists conducted comprehensive analyses, the results of which have been shared with Ukrainian authorities to aid in the investigation. The search for Nourine is part of an ongoing effort to uncover the circumstances surrounding Burke’s death, with international cooperation being pivotal to tracking down the suspect.
The British volunteer who was found dead in Ukraine in the summer of 2023 was most likely killed by another foreigner.
An Australian-Algerian jihadist has been identified as the main suspect.
Let us remind you that the body of Briton Daniel Burke (pictured) was found in August… pic.twitter.com/D5DLhJy5GI
— War Intel (@warintel4u) March 29, 2024
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