The father of a French jihadist who became an expert bombmaker and was likely killed in US air strikes in Syria has said his son wanted to "die a martyr."
David Daoud Drugeon, 25, is thought to have been travelling in a car in Idlib province when a drone strike hit the vehicle and likely killed him and the driver, a US official and media reports said Thursday.
Speaking to reporters at his home in the western village of Meucon late Thursday,soon after learning from the media of his son's probable death, Patrice Drugeon quoted a letter sent by David in 2010 -- the last communication he had with him.
"We'll see each other again in the afterlife and I will die a martyr," read the letter.
"Dying a martyr aged 25, what for?" Patrice Drugeon asked.
A football fan in his early years, David later drew close to ultraconservative Salafist Muslims, converted to Islam, started learning Arabic and studying the Koran.
After having worked and saved money, he eventually went to Egypt and studied in religious schools there.
He returned to France and at the start of 2010, told his family he was going back to Egypt. But like many other international volunteers, he went down the jihad route and travelled to tribal zones in Pakistan, never to be seen by his relatives again.
There he trained in how to handle explosives and make bombs, and later travelled to Idlib to wage jihad.
David converted to Islam when he was just 13, at a time when his parents were divorcing.
"I saw him convert, but he was moderate," his father said.
"He was baptised, he received a European education, with parents who are Christians, and... he strayed."
"I'd tell parents to really pay attention to their children, to listen to them, to talk to them, to convince them not to join the jihadists because learning about your son's death on the Internet is very hard, and I would not wish it upon anybody," he added.
"I never would have thought he would do this but this is what it has come to now.
"I never would have imagined this would be his destiny and his path."
A US official said it would take time to confirm his death with absolute certainty.
AFP
Fri Nov 07 2014
Patrice Drugeon quoted a letter sent by David in 2010 -- the last communication he had with him. - AFP Photo
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.