Former PAS member killed in Syria

Former PAS Kedah member fighting for the Islamic State (IS) in Syria, Mohd Lotfi Ariffin, died yesterday following an ambush by Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad’s forces.

The news of his demise was posted on the Facebook page of Abu Talhah II, a Malaysian jihadist in Syria.

His burial has been postponed as his body is reportedly still in the Antarkia Hospital in Turkey. It was learnt that his body will arrive in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow.

PAS secretary-general, Datuk Mustafa Ali said that the party sacked Mohd Lofti on May 11, 2014 after confirming that he was involved in the fight in Syria.

Another fighter in Syria, Akel Zainal II on his Facebook wrote:

Pasir Mas MP, Nik Abduh Nik Abdul Aziz shared his memories of Mohd Lofti in a one-of-a-kind eulogy.

In 2006, Mohd Lofti was among the six detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) for being involved with the Malaysian Militant Group (KMM).

Five other KMM members were Nik Adli Nik Abdul Aziz, Mohd. Rafi Udin, Zid Shaharani Mohd. Isa, Ahmad Pozi Darman and Zainon Ismail.

All six were detained under Section 73 (1) ISA Act 1960 for threatening national security.