NEW DELHI: Sarah Ashton-Cirillo, an American former journalist who has fought against Russia in support of Ukraine, has been a close associate of American national Matthew VanDyke.
VanDyke was arrested by Indian agencies last month for alleged ties with North East terror groups.
Sarah spoke to The Sunday Guardian and rejected allegations portraying VanDyke as a mercenary or a proxy for U.S. intelligence, asserting instead that his work through Sons of Liberty International (SOLI) is focused on training civilians in conflict zones in areas such as mine removal, field medicine, and defensive protection.
Q: For how long have you known Matthew VanDyke and how?
A: Matt and I have been friends for several years.
Q: Whatever public information is available about him as someone active in violent regions and areas and also using arms, in what capacity?
A: Matt works in areas that are oppressed by totalitarian governments, often overlapping with regions influenced or supported by hostile actors such as the Kremlin. His role is that of an educator, with a focus on mine removal, tactical field medicine, and defensive protection measures for civilians, including against threats like drones. His work is centred on training and education in high-risk environments, not offensive combat.
Q: He has been described as someone who is a mercenary. How accurate is this description?
A: This description is inaccurate. Matt is not a mercenary. Money and profit are not his motivations. He lives a notably spartan life and is driven by ideals of freedom and liberty. His work is rooted in education and humanitarian-oriented training rather than paid combat activity.
Q: There are allegations that he works for the U.S. deep state or the CIA, given that he operates in areas where these agencies are active. Does Sons of Liberty International work in close coordination with the CIA?
A: No. Although Matt operates in geopolitical hotspots where multiple state actors may also be present, his work and that of SOLI are independent of any government agency, including the CIA. The organisation is run as a non-profit from the ground up, without government intervention or interference.
Q: It is being reported that he had come to India and had gone to Myanmar on the direction of Maran Tu Awng, a U.S. citizen of Myanmar origin, to train Burmese rebels against the army. How do you see this? Was SOLI aware of it?
A: I cannot confirm whether he was planning to visit Myanmar or comment on specific individuals he may have worked with. Matt typically discusses his travels only after they are completed due to security concerns and the presence of hostile actors. His network is global and based on alignment with principles of liberty rather than nationality, religion, or ethnicity.
Q: You have been a long-time associate of him. Did he tell you about his plans to come to India and subsequently go to Myanmar?
A: No, he did not share such plans in advance. As noted, he tends to disclose travel details only after the fact for security reasons.
Q: What is your response to the recent court developments and what are your expectations from the authorities?
A: The images that have come out of the court hearings recently are concerning. With India being the world’s largest democracy and a well-known champion of the rule of law and justice, there is an expectation that Matthew VanDyke and all those allegedly associated with him be given consular representation as soon as possible.
