American Man Dies Fighting for Islamic State in Syria

An American fighting for the Islamic State died on Tuesday. San Diego, Calif. native Douglas McAuthur McCain was killed in Syria during a battle between two competing factions.

NBC News reports, “Photos of McCain's passport and of his body -- which feature a distinctive neck tattoo -- have been seen... According to an activist linked to the Free Syrian Army who also saw the body and travel document, McCain was among three foreign jihadis fighting with ISIS who died during the battle.”

Reports find McCain (33), who traveled to Turkey in May, was found dead with an American passport.

Friends close to McCain claim he was radicalized after a yearlong absence for social media and contact with family.

On May 13, McAuthur posted on Twitter, “I reverted to Islam 10 years ago and I must say In sha Allah I will never look back the best thing that ever happen to me.”

U.S. maintain there is a “small handful” of Americans fighting for the Islamic State.

Publication date: August 27, 2014