[The Australian] A FORMER soldier who fled Australia to join al-Qaeda in 2001 has now emerged as a senior commander in Syria fighting against Western forces.Mathew Stewart, who was last seen several years ago in ÂÂAfghanistan, has reportedly appeared on al-Qaeda's latest online magazine Al Risalah.
The publication's latest edition includes an interview with an al-Qaeda member known as Abu Hamza Australi.
In the interview, the jihadist describes working as a military trainer with al-Qaeda proxy in Syria, Jabhat Al Nusrah. He also discusses his background, saying he is from Queensland, joined ÂÂal-Qaeda 15 years ago and served in the Australian military, according to the ABC's 7.30 Report.
Stewart's new role, if substantiated, would make him one of the most highly-ranked Australians fighting in Syria.
A law enforcement official said they were aware of the interview and were working on establishing whether it was with Stewart.
The news of the interview was broken by US website The Long War Journal, though they were unaware of the link between Abu Hamza and Stewart.