| Melb Islamic leader's son dies in Syria |
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 was confirmed on Wednesday 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.
"It is with deep sorrow and sincere regret we confirm the sad news of our beloved brother Ayman Omran has passed away," the association's vice-president Sheikh Kalid Issa said in the statement.
"Ayman travelled as a volunteer to provide humanitarian aid, an act consistent with his soft heartedness and caring demeanour."
Sheikh Issa said the ASWJ's policy on travelling "to the highly volatile, Syrian war zone remains unabated and the area is to be avoided".
The association requested the media and public to respect the privacy of Mr Omran's family.
The ASWJ has centres in Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia and Queensland.
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.
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