A Minneapolis man has been charged with assisting and participating in the training of ISIS terrorists in Somalia and threatening to attack New York City, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Friday.
Khalifa Hussein Abdi, 41, was detained in Africa and extradited to the United States, where he is scheduled to face a federal judge in Manhattan, New York, on Friday, the department announced.
In 2015, Abdi reportedly left Minnesota for Somalia and joined up with ISIS fighters at a training camp in the Puntland region.
“As alleged, Khalifa Hussein Abdi, a national of this country, traveled from Minnesota to join a group of ISIS fighters in Somalia,” Damian Williams, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, said in a statement. Ta.
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Khalafa Hussein Abdi, 41, allegedly posted a photo he took in the Somali desert on social media. (U.S. Department of Justice)
He added: “While training with ISIS fighters in Somalia, Abdi possessed an AK-47, threatened to attack civilians in New York City, and encouraged others to carry out such attacks.” “Our law enforcement partners have relentlessly pursued this investigation to ensure a criminal conviction.” “To thwart Mr. Abdi’s plans to carry out terrorism on our shores and bring Mr. Abdi to an American court and face justice. No matter how long it takes, this office is committed to We remain steadfast in our commitment to investigating, deterring and prosecuting terrorist threats.”
Abdi said in a social media post that he moved abroad to join the Islamic State group and the Arabic word hijra, which means to leave the country and support ISIS for jihad purposes. He also sent a photo of himself carrying an AK-47 in the desert, according to the Justice Department.
Abdi is also alleged to have filmed pro-ISIS propaganda for the terror group’s “media” arm.
In January 2017, Abdi allegedly sent audio files of rap lyrics to at least 20 other people on social media. “If the tip was hollow, a hole would be made in the vestment of the Catholic, and the head would be cut off and placed on the chest of the Catholic.”
He added: “We’re going to continue our crusade. We’re going to fly across America to shoot up New York. They’re trying to shut this up. We’re not going. We’re going to come and blow up New York.” Ta.
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ISIS terrorists have flags and weapons. (Reuters/File)
He also wrote, “Repel the Kuffar.” [sic] Who is at war with Muslims? [that] I don’t know because I’m not Muslim [sic] Islam” message.
After defecting from ISIS in 2017, Abdi was imprisoned by ISIS and eventually fled to East Africa, where he was arrested.
The suspect admitted his affiliation to FBI agents and appeared in an ISIS propaganda video, holding an AK-47 and saying, “Thank you Almighty God for making us His soldiers and choosing us to be part of the Khilafah Army.” ” he is said to have said.
He says in the video, “So don’t stay behind, brother, join this caravan… Those who believe will fight in the cause of Allah, and those who reject faith will fight in the cause of evil.” It is said that it was added.
Abdi is charged with colluding with and assisting a designated foreign terrorist organization and receiving military training, and could face decades in prison if convicted.
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FBI Director of National Security Larissa L. Knapp said, “Abdi trained at ISIS camps, encouraged others to fight for ISIS, and posted social media reports about violent acts in New York City.” It is believed that the message was sent.” “The FBI works tirelessly to protect the American people from acts of terrorism and will hold accountable all those who break the law and endanger the public.
“We continue to work with domestic and international law enforcement agencies to detect and deter terrorist activity.”
