US: Teenager arrested in Philadelphia for links to Al-Qaeda affiliated terror group
Federal agents closed off a Philadelphia neighborhood to arrest the teenager
A 17-year-old teenager has been arrested in West Philadelphia, US on terrorism charges. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said the accused wasallegedly communicating with the group Katibat al Tawhid wal Jihad (KTJ) which has been affiliated with notorious terror outfit Al-Qaeda.
The FBI started its investigation into the case in March this year when it became aware of the teenager's alleged communication with KTJ over Instagram. After a preliminary inquiry, the bureau launched a full-blown investigation, which included surveillance.
"The young man who is under arrest is -- was an aspiring terrorist who was not merely thinking but was doing things that are deeply disturbing and presented a grave danger to everyone," saidFBI Special Agent in Charge of the Philadelphia Field Office Jacqueline Maguire during a press conference.
The teen was purportedly sending and receiving media content that had terrorist propaganda. He attempted to travel overseasfor the purpose of joining or supporting the terrorist group. Additionally, he also acquired chemicals and learnt the steps tobuild a weapon of mass destruction.
"Among the items he purchased were tactical equipment, wiring, chemicals and devices often used as remote detonators," Maguire added.
On August 8, 2023, US Customs and Border Protection provided records revealing 14 international shipments of military and tactical gear to the juvenile’s address.
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A WhatsApp account linked to the accused had a banner ofRiyad-us-Saliheen Martyrs’ Brigade, a Chechnya-based terrorist group, as its profile photo. On August 6, the accused changed the profile photo to the image of the ISIS banner.
DA charges the juvenile
After the arrest, the District Attorney's office charged the juvenile withcriminal conspiracy, arson, causing/risking a catastrophe, attempt to commit criminal mischief, possession of an instrument of crime, and recklessly endangering another person.
“The work of the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force potentially thwarted a catastrophic terrorist attack in the name of a perverted ideology that in no way, shape, or form represents the beliefs of the overwhelming majority of peace-seeking people of faith, including Muslims,” DA Larry Krasner said.
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One of the neighbours commenting on the raid by the FBI officers at the accused's home said, "It was pandemonium all around. Had the undercovers, the FBI, the SWAT, guns, they wouldn't even allow anyone to walk up the street."
(With inputs from agencies)
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