Operation Inherent Resolve identified a US service member who was killed in an IED attack. Master Sgt. Jonathan J. Dunbar, 36, died on Thursday when an IED detonated near his patrol in Manbij, Syria. Five members of the coalition force were wounded, and a British coalition member, Sgt Matt Tonroe, was also killed in that attack. It is unclear if the bomb detonated near a vehicle or whether the patrol was on foot at the time.
“Coalition forces, in an advise, assist and accompany capacity with our partners, were conducting a mission to kill or capture a known (IS) member when they were struck by an improvised explosive device.” Operation Inherent Resolve
According to military.com, IED attacks are relatively rare since the US sent troops into Syria.
MSgt Dunbar was from Texas.
.@CJTFOIR mourns the loss of @Coalition warriors MSGT Jonathan Dunbar and SGT Matt Tonroe, killed near #Manbij, Syria, 29 March. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends, and fellow troopers. Rest easy. pic.twitter.com/ond4T4Dx7E
— OIR Spokesman (@OIRSpox) April 1, 2018
Two @CJTFOIR personnel were killed and five wounded by an improvised explosive device March 29 in Syria. Our prayers are with their families, friends and fellow service members. Names of the deceased will be released at discretion of national authorities. pic.twitter.com/k7nnmdcWMV
— OIR Spokesman (@OIRSpox) March 30, 2018
The Army Times reported about Master Sgt Dunbar’s military service:
Dunbar was assigned to Headquarters, U.S. Army Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
According to information from USASOC, Dunbar first entered the Army as an infantryman in May 2005.
His first assignment was with 1st Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment at Fort Bragg. During his tenure, he deployed once to Afghanistan and once to Iraq in support of combat operations.
In November 2009, Dunbar transitioned to 2nd Squadron, 38th Cavalry Regiment (Long Range Surveillance) at Fort Hood, Texas, where he served for four years as a squad leader.
During his time at Fort Hood, Dunbar deployed to Iraq again in support of combat operations.
In 2013, Dunbar was assigned to USASOC, where he served as a team member and deployed three times in support of combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Dunbar’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal (third award), the Army Commendation Medal (fourth award), the Army Achievement Medal (sixth award), the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, the Iraq Campaign Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, the Ranger Tab, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Expert Infantryman Badge, the Pathfinder Badge, the Military Freefall Jumpmaster Badge, and the Parachutist Badge.