Suicide bomber in Syria was an American

WASHINGTON — The suicide bomber who blew himself up in an attack this week in Syria’s Idlib province called himself Abu Huraira al-Amriki.

Al-Amriki translates into “the American.” It also translates into a worst fear of U.S. officials: that the Syrian war is spawning a new generation of violent extremists, including Americans who may someday come home bent on terrorism.

State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki confirmed to reporters Friday in Washington that the suicide bomber was an American.

U.S. officials later told the Associated Press that the man was Moneer Mohammad Abu Salha from Florida.

U.S. law enforcement agencies say they are increasing efforts to thwart threats that may be posed for years to come by U.S. and European citizens drawn to train and fight with al-Qaida-affiliated groups in Syria.

About 70 American and 3,000 European citizens are among the estimated 12,000 foreign fighters from 80 countries who have gone to fight in Syria, according to U.S. and European officials and analysts.