Son of Australian Islamic leader dies in Syria

The son of an Australian Islamic leader has died in Syria.

A file photo made available by the Syrian Arab News Agency shows Syrian Arab Army forces in Aleppo province, Syria, 29 February 2016. Source: AAP

The son of a prominent Melbourne-based Islamic leader has died in Syria while providing humanitarian aid in the war zone.

The death of Ayman Omran has been confirmed today in a statement by the Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah Association Australia, of which his father Sheikh Mohammed Omran - also known as Abu Ayman - is the leader.

The association's vice-president Sheikh Kalid Issa says Ayman travelled as a volunteer to provide humanitarian aid, an act consistent with his soft heartedness and caring demeanour.

But he says the ASWJ's policy on travelling to the highly volatile Syrian war zone remains unchanged and the area is to be avoided.

A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesman said the Australian government's ability to confirm reports of deaths in Syria and Iraq was extremely limited due to level of danger in those countries.

DFAT is also unable to provide any consular assistance in Syria, including the repatriation of remains.

Australians are told not to travel to Syria or Iraq.