A Minnesota man arrested overseas is suspected of providing material support to the Islamic State of Iraq al-Sham (ISIS) and receiving ISIS training, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Friday. did.
Khalafa Hussein Abdi, 41, of Minneapolis, was charged with “providing material support and collusion” to ISIS and “receiving military training from ISIS and collusion,” the Justice Department said. Announced. press release. Mr. Abdi left the United States for Somalia in 2015, where he joined ISIS and allegedly received “military training” at a camp in Somalia's Puntland region, the Justice Department said. Abdi also allegedly helped film and distribute ISIS propaganda videos. The Justice Department shared a photo allegedly taken of Abdi holding an AK-47 assault rifle.
Abdi's lyrics include, “It's hollow at the end, so let's cut a hole in a Catholic's vest, cut off his head and put it on a Catholic's chest,” “We're going to continue our jihad,” and “We're flying through America.” He allegedly sang and distributed rap music. Our way to bomb New York. They are trying to contain this problem. I do not go. We're going to blow up New York. ” He accompanied some audio clips with the following message: [that] I don't know what Islam is because it's not Islam. ”
“While training with ISIS fighters in Somalia, Abdi possessed an AK-47, threatened to attack civilians in New York City, and threatened to attack others,” said Damian Williams, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. He is said to have encouraged them to carry out such attacks.” press release.
Abdi was accused of helping spread ISIS's “vile ideology,” but his relationship with the group's leadership soured and the group imprisoned him, according to a press release. Abdi fled and was arrested in East Africa, according to a press release. In an interview with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), he admitted to joining ISIS, appearing in propaganda videos, and receiving training. (Related: Police arrest teenager who tried to board a plane on suspicion of trying to join ISIS)
US citizen charged with providing material support to ISIS and receiving military training at IS fighter camp
🔗: https://t.co/UmSrSODWNe pic.twitter.com/OxRKI1cvsh
— U.S. Department of Justice National Security Division (@DOJNatSec) February 16, 2024
If convicted, Abdi faces a total of 45 to 55 years in prison.
According to a press release, FBI National Security Director Larissa L. Knapp said the FBI will continue to protect Americans and help “detect and thwart terrorist activity” in the United States and abroad.
Williams added in a press release that his office stands ready to “investigate, deter, and prosecute terrorist threats against Americans.”
