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'Bumbling Kiwi jihadi' captured in Syria

A New Zealand-born "bumbling jihadi" accused of encouraging terror attacks in Australia has been captured in Syria and faces jail if he can make it home.

Mark Taylor NZ IS
Mark Taylor was placed on a United States terrorist watchlist after he “used social media, including appearing in a 2015 IS propaganda video". Source: Supplied

A New Zealand I-S recruit captured in Syria will struggle to return home and could face potential jail time if he does, New Zealand's government says.

Mark Taylor was placed on a United States terror watchlist after he used social media, including appearing in a 2015 ISIS propaganda video, to encourage terrorist attacks in Australia and New Zealand, according to the US State Department.

He had been in Syria with the Islamic State group since 2014.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on confirmed Taylor was being detained by the Syrian Democratic Forces and says if he is returned to New Zealand he will face the law.

"Bringing terrorists to justice is something the government takes extremely seriously. As I have said before any New Zealander suspected of association with terrorist groups should expect to be investigated under New Zealand law should they return. The police have powers under a number of acts and I am assured they will utilise them", - Prime Minister said.

More in English via SBS News.


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