Damascus, February 12 (RHC)-- UK authorities have confirmed reports that a British national was behind a bomb attack in the Syrian city of Aleppo last week. The militant -- known as Abu Suleiman al-Britani, believed to be of Pakistani origin -- is said to be from Sussex.

The man was believed to have had links to the Jabhat al-Nusra arm of terrorist group al-Qaeda in Syria.

Al Britani purportedly drove an armored vehicle toward a jail in Aleppo, causing a huge explosion after ramming into the building. Hundreds of militants followed behind, managing to free up to 300 prisoners held by Syrian forces.

Britani is reportedly the eighth Briton to have died fighting since Syria's bloody civil war began three years ago. Media reports say hundreds of British nationals have joined foreign-backed extremist militants in Syria.

Britain is among the Western countries which have supported armed militancy to topple the Syrian government. One in 10 foreign militants fighting against the popular government of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria is believed to be from Europe. European officials have repeatedly warned of the threats that these militants could pose upon they return to their home countries.