(September 12): Former Kedah PAS Youth information chief Lotfi Ariffin is currently in a coma after suffering injuries in the ongoing civil war in Syria, his elder brother revealed today.

Sinar Harian quoted Mohd Zainon Ariffin, 53, as saying that Lotfi was recovering from the coma and injuries which he suffered during an ambush last Tuesday.

Lotfi is among 40 Malaysians currently fighting alongside Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (Isis) forces in the Middle East against forces loyal to President Bashar Al-Assad.

"I was informed of my brother's condition through his friends via Facebook. However, no pictures have been posted of my brother on the social media," Zainon said.

Zainon also told Sinar Harian that he had failed to contact Lotfi for the past few days although he had been told that his brother’s condition was improving.

"I am not sure what they meant by his condition is stable as I have not received any information or evidence which could back up their statement."

Zainon told Sinar Harian that he hoped Lotfi would have a speedy recovery and resume his place on the frontline alongside other Isis fighters.

Lotfi was reported to have suffered injuries in his legs, hands and face after a group of Isis fighters was ambushed by Bashar's forces in Syria.

Besides Lotfi, two other Isis fighters were injured, while another was killed in the ambush.

Lotfi sparked controversy in June when he uploaded pictures and videos on his Facebook account of his activities in Syria.

This caused Islamic party PAS to sack him from the party, saying the party did not condone its members getting involved in violent activities.

Another Malaysian militant currently fighting in the Middle East is former Malay pop star Ali Ukay, who was said to have been influenced by Lotfi to join the Isis struggle.

Prior to departing for Syria, Lotfi had indicated that he would not be returning to Malaysia, Zainon told Sinar Harian.

"He went without anyone's knowledge," Zainon said, adding that Lotfi had conducted in-depth studies for three years about Isis before leaving for Syria.