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Two Arizona men have pleaded guilty to conspiring to travel to the Middle East with the intent to join ISIS, as announced by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona. The men, Ahmed Mahad Mohamed, 26, and Abdi Yemeni Hussein, 25, had a plan which spanned from late 2018 to July 2019, involved traveling to Egypt and then smuggling themselves into the ISIS-controlled Sinai Peninsula.
Communication with ISIS Supporters
The conspiracy began in August 2018 when Mohamed initiated contact with ISIS supporters online. He expressed his and Hussein’s desire to join the terrorist group, stating his ambition to be “the beheading guy” and to achieve martyrdom through jihad. Mohamed also shared his dream of going to Syria to engage in combat.
Hussein, in discussions with Mohamed, emphasized that their only options were to reach ISIS or face imprisonment. He even suggested attacking the White House if they were prevented from traveling.
Travel Preparations and Arrest
By June 2019, Mohamed and Hussein began making concrete travel arrangements, selling their cars and purchasing a plane ticket from Tucson to Cairo. However, on July 26, 2019, the FBI arrested both men at Tucson International Airport after they passed through security and headed toward their departure gate. Mohamed was found carrying $10,000, intended for travel expenses and the purchase of firearms.
Guilty Plea to Conspiracy to Join ISIS and Sentencing
Last week, Mohamed and Hussein pleaded guilty to conspiracy to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization. The conviction carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or both. The men also agreed to a judicial order of removal, which would result in their deportation to Somalia after serving any prison term.
Sentencing for Mohamed and Hussein is scheduled for October 11. The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.