By Staff Reporter | iSkyCreations – News & Media (ISC News & Media)
Published Feb 16th 2024
In a significant development announced today by key figures in national security and law enforcement, Harafa Hussein Abdi, a U.S. citizen, faces serious charges for his involvement with the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization. Abdi has been charged with providing material support to ISIS, receiving military-type training from the group, and conspiring to carry out these activities. This announcement was made by Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Matthew G. Olsen, the Assistant Attorney General for National Security; James Smith, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and Edward A. Caban, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (NYPD).
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Harafa Hussein Abdi, a citizen of this country, traveled from Minnesota to join a group of ISIS fighters in Somalia. While training with ISIS fighters in Somalia, Abdi allegedly carried 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 the disruption of Abdi’s alleged plans to wage terror on our shores and bring Abdi to an American court to face justice. No matter how long it takes, this Office is steadfast in its commitment to investigate, disrupt, and prosecute terrorist threats against Americans.” Abdi was apprehended overseas and was brought to the United States on February 15, 2024. He is slated to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Valerie Figueredo in Manhattan federal court.