Posted on 08/05/2010 3:06:36 PM PDT by Cindy
Note: Photo and Graphic Included.
NOTE The following text is a quote:
FIGHTING TERROR 14 Indicted for Supporting al Shabaab 08/05/10
Two Americans are under arrest and 12 other U.S. citizens have been charged with acts of terrorism that include providing money, personnel, and other material support to the Somali-based terrorist organization al Shabaab.
Results of an FBI-led global investigation were announced today at Department of Justice headquarters in Washington, where indictments were unsealed charging individuals in Minnesota, Alabama, and California. Twelve of the 14 under indictment are fugitives believed to be in Somalia.
About al Shabaab
On Feb. 29, 2008, the U.S. Department of State designated al Shabaab as a foreign terrorist organization, describing it as a violent and brutal extremist group based in Somalia with a number of individuals affiliated with al Qaeda. This designation prohibits providing material support or resources to al Shabaab.
Recent al Shabaab Cases
Virginia Man Accused of Providing Material Support to Terrorists (7/21/10) FBI and Uganda Police Seek Assistance Identifying 7/11 Bombers (7/19/10) Minnesota Man Sentenced for Obstructing Investigation of Missing Somali Men (7/16/10) Two N.J. Men Charged with Conspiring to Kill Persons Outside U.S. (6/06/10) Terror Charges Unsealed in Minnesota Against Eight Defendants (11/23/09) “These indictments and arrests,” said U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, “shed further light on a deadly pipeline that has routed funding and fighters to al Shabaab from cities across the United States.”
The government designated al Shabaab a terrorist organization in 2008. The group has ties to al Qaeda and has made numerous public statements threatening to harm the United States.
“Terrorist organizations such as al Shabaab continue to radicalize and recruit U.S. citizens and others to train and fight with them and to provide support for their violent activities,” said Sean Joyce, executive assistant director of the FBI’s National Security Branch. “Today’s charges and arrests give us all greater insight into the evolving nature of the terrorist threat we face.”
The two arrested today—women who were naturalized U.S. citizens and residents of Minnesota—have been charged with raising money to support al Shabaab through door-to-door solicitations and teleconferences in Somali communities in Minnesota and other locations in the U.S. and Canada. In some cases, funds were raised under the false pretense that they would be used to help the poor. The others indicted—mostly young men—were charged with leaving the U.S. to join al Shabaab.
The charges resulted from investigations coordinated by the FBI and the Department of Justice and that involved our law enforcement partners around the world. Our Joint Terrorism Task Forces in Minneapolis, Mobile, and San Diego played a particularly significant role, Joyce said, adding that the investigation is ongoing.
Recruitment by al Shabaab among the Somali-American community is a “disturbing phenomenon that we’ve been investigating intensely in recent years,” Holder said. He noted that in Minnesota alone, between September 2007 and October 2009, 20 or more young men traveled from Minneapolis to Somalia for al Shabaab training. Many of them ultimately fought for the Muslim extremist group against Ethiopian forces, African Union troops, and the transitional government there. At least one young man from Minneapolis went on to become the first known U.S. citizen suicide bomber.
“As demonstrated by the charges unsealed today, we are seeing an increasing number of individuals—including U.S. citizens—who have become captivated by extremist ideology and have taken steps to carry out terrorist objectives, either at home or abroad,” Holder said.
“For those who would become terrorists, these cases send a strong message,” said FBI Director Robert S. Mueller. “They underscore the need for continued vigilance against those who may seek to harm us and our way of life.” He added, “Our agents and analysts will continue to confront this threat with a strong and coordinated effort as we work to protect all Americans.”
Resources: - Press release - Fugitive information
Most Wanted Poster:
www.fbi.gov/wanted/wanted_terrorists/omar-shafik-hammami
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NOTE The following text is a quote:
www.fbi.gov/mobile/press-releases/2012/omar-shafik-hammami-added-to-the-fbis-most-wanted-terrorists-list
Omar Shafik Hammami Added to the FBI’s Most Wanted Terrorists List
FBI Mobile
November 14, 2012
Today, the FBI Mobile Division announced the addition of Omar Shafik Hammami to the FBI’s Most Wanted Terrorists list. Mr. Hammami is wanted in connection with terrorism violations to include providing material support to terrorists.
It is alleged that Omar Shafik Hammami, a U.S. citizen and former resident of Daphne, Alabama, also known as Abu Mansour al-Amriki, provided material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization known as al Shabaab. On February 26, 2008, al Shabaab was designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the Secretary of State.
Hammami allegedly traveled to Somalia during 2006 and eventually joined al Shabaab’s military wing. In 2007, after Ethiopian forces invaded Somalia, Hammami joined the front lines as a fighter and eventually became a leader with al Shabaab. On November 27, 2007, an indictment was returned in the United States Southern District of Alabama charging Hammami with 18 U.S.C. 2339A, providing material support to terrorists. On September 24, 2009, a superseding indictment charged Hammami with 18 U.S.C. 2339B, providing material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization. The Southern District of Alabama has issued an active warrant against Hammami for his arrest.
The FBI’s Most Wanted Terrorists list serves as a venue to increase public awareness regarding individuals being sought by the FBI in connection with terrorism-related activities. Hammami should be considered armed and dangerous and private citizens should take no independent action against Hammami. If you have any information concerning Hammami, please contact the FBI’s tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI or call the FBI’s Mobile Division. You may also contact your nearest FBI field office, American Embassy or Consulate, or submit a tip electronically at https://tips.fbi.gov.
http://www.longwarjournal.org/tags/Shabaab/common/
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http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2012/12/shabaab_rebukes_amer.php
“Shabaab rebukes American commander Omar Hammami”
By BILL ROGGIO
December 18, 2012
FBI.gov - News: "REWARDS FOR JUSTICE PROGRAM OFFERS $5 MILLION FOR AL SHABAAB TERRORISTS" (PHOTO CAPTION: "The State Department's Rewards for Justice program is offering up to $5 million each for information on al Shabaab terrorists Omar Shafik Hammami (left) and Jehad Serwan Mostafa.") (March 20, 2013) (Read More…)
Update:
http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2013/09/shabaab_kills_americ.php
“Shabaab kills American jihadist Omar Hammami and British fighter”
By BILL ROGGIO
September 12, 2013
SNIPPET: “Several Somalis in Bay province said that a large Shabaab force attacked Hammami and his small group of followers who were hiding out in a village near Dinsoor, the BBC reported. An Egyptian known as Khadap al Masri, who was with Hammami, is said to have surrendered to Shabaab forces.
Shabaab forces reportedly took the bodies of Hammami and al Britani from the scene of the attack. Shabaab has not officially claimed credit for the attack, but unnamed Shabaab officials are said to have confirmed Hammami’s death.
Hammami is said to have granted an Interview with Voice of America Somalia more than a week ago. In the interview, he said he had renounced his ties to Shabaab and al Qaeda but still considered himself a “terrorist.”
Hammami, who is better known as Abu Mansour al Amriki, is the most well-known foreign fighter in Somalia. Hammami occupied a prominent place in Shabaab’s propaganda arm. He also served as a recruiter, financier, and military commander. He was even seen with Shabaab’s top leaders at a public eulogy for slain al Qaeda emir and founder Osama bin Laden in May 2011. The US added him to the list of specially designated global terrorists for his ties to al Qaeda in July 2011 and offered a $5 million reward for information leading to his captured in March 2013.”
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