SNIPPET from post no. 1: “Recent al Shabaab Cases”
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Note: Photos included.
July 19, 2010
Quote:
http://newyork.fbi.gov/pressrel/pressrel10/nyfo071910.htm
BI and Uganda Police Seek Assistance Identifying 7/11 Bombers
On July 11, 2010, Uganda was the target of a series of terrorist attacks in its capital city, Kampala, in which over 70 individuals were killed. The Somali terrorist group Al-Shabaab took responsibility for these attacks. The first bomb exploded at approximately 10:30 p.m. at an Ethiopian restaurant in Kabalagala. The second bomb exploded at approximately 11:20 p.m. at a rugby club. A third bomb also exploded at almost the same time at the rugby club. The first two bombs were thought to have been triggered by suicide bombers. At both venues, victims were gathered to watch the final World Cup soccer match.
Following the terrorist attacks, Uganda authorities made a request through the U.S. Embassy in Kampala for a team from the FBI to assist with their investigation. The FBI New York Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) deployed a team of agents, analysts, and forensic experts to assist the Ugandan authorities. Included were members of the FBI from other parts of the country with expertise in specific portions of the investigation such as evidence collection and explosive analysis.
The investigation being conducted by Uganda with support from the FBI is ongoing. As part of the investigation, the FBI and Uganda law enforcement officials are seeking information regarding the identity of the two suicide bombers. Photos have been reconstructed to demonstrate how the two suspected male bombers may have appeared. If anyone has information on the attacks or can identity the bombers, they are requested to contact the Uganda Police or the FBI.
Individual #1
Individual #2
Major General Kale Kayihura, Inspector General of Police said, “This was a horrific event for the people of Uganda and we are dedicated to tracking down those responsible for this heinous crime. Terrorist activity must be stopped and the police force will do everything possible to keep our citizens and visitors safe. We thank the U.S. Embassy for arranging for the FBI to travel to Uganda and assist us with our critical investigation. I thank the FBI, the British High Commission, New Scotland Yard, and Interpol among the many others nations and agencies that are assisting us at this time. Our teams are working exceptionally well together in all facets of the investigation.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge, Nathan Gray who is serving as the commander of the FBI’s team in Uganda added, “Uganda suffered a horrible attack as people peacefully cheered during the World Cup. We are appreciative of the complete support from Inspector Kayihura and the police force as we work together to support their investigation. The United States has been victim to serious terrorist attacks and we have learned that partnerships, such as the one we have with Uganda are critical in investigating and preventing these attacks.”
FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Don Borelli of the New York office is serving as the deputy commander and overseeing the daily operations. Agent Borelli stated, “The New York office of the FBI brings a wealth of experience in investigating terrorism cases. Working closely with our Uganda law enforcement partners we will do everything possible to help find the perpetrators of this horrific event.”
A link to the seeking information poster can be found at http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/seekinfo/uganda.htm.
SNIPPET from post no. 1: “Recent al Shabaab Cases”
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July 16, 2010
Quote:
http://minneapolis.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel10/mp071610.htm
Chanhassen Man Sentenced for Obstructing Investigation of Missing Somali Men
A 26-year-old Chanhassen man was sentenced earlier today in federal court in Minneapolis for obstructing a FBI and grand jury investigation into the recruitment of young men in the United States to train and fight for extremist groups in Somalia. United States District Court Judge James M. Rosenbaum sentenced Abdow Munye Abdow to an eight-month split sentence (four months of confinement; four months of house arrest) in connection to his crime. Abdow was indicted on October 13, 2009, and pleaded guilty to a one-count criminal information on May 4, 2010.
“Today’s sentencing constitutes another positive step in our continuing efforts to bring the broader matter to full resolution,” said Ralph S. Boelter, Special Agent in Charge of the Minneapolis Division of the FBI. “The American public should know that the FBI remains steadfast in it’s commitment to identify and mitigate threats to our national security that emanate here or elsewhere.”
In his plea agreement, Abdow admitted that on October 8, 2009, he obstructed a FBI and grand jury investigation by making false statements to FBI agents, who had interviewed him. Specifically, Abdow told the agents that although other men accompanied him in a rental car from Minnesota to California in early October, he did not know their names, nor did he know who paid for the rental car. In truth, four men traveled with Abdow in October from Minnesota to San Diego, California, where three of the men were dropped off. Abdow knew the names or nicknames of all of the men as well as the name of the person who paid for the rental vehicle. In fact, the car was rented with a debit card provided by Abdow himself.
This case arose from a FBI and grand jury investigation into whether individuals in the U.S. are providing material support to al-Shabaab, a group designated by the United States as a foreign terrorist organization. As part of the investigation, the FBI learned that on October 6, United States Department of Justice 2009, a highway patrol officer conducted a traffic stop involving Abdow about 10 miles north of Las Vegas. The trooper later reported to the FBI that Abdow had four men with him in the car. The trooper also said the men claimed to be on their way to San Diego to attend a friend’s wedding. However, they provided inconsistent explanations as to how they knew one another, and they seemed confused as to the identity of the person getting married as well as the location of their lodging in San Diego. As a result, the trooper asked for and obtained permission to search the vehicle. He found a passport and $4,000 in cash. He also was able to identify two of the men with Abdow.
On October 8, those two men were further identified by a U.S. Customs Border Patrol officer as two of three people dropped off by a taxi at the U.S.-Mexico border crossing in San Ysidro, just south of San Diego. The men had airline tickets and told the officer they were flying from Tijuana to Mexico City.
On that same day, back in Minnesota, Abdow was interviewed at his place of work by FBI agents. Prior to the interview, the agents reportedly informed Abdow that they were conducting an investigation into the disappearance of local Somali men. Abdow was not placed under arrest at that time.
During the interview, Abdow initially told the agents he had traveled out west with only one friend. After the agents repeatedly asked him if he was telling the truth, Abdow conceded that others may have been in the car, but he did not know how many or their names. He also said he had no idea who paid for the rental vehicle. Later, in his plea agreement, Abdow admitted that he lied during that interview.
The investigation into the recruitment of young men to train with and fight for the terrorist group al-Shabaab is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. The investigation into this specific case was assisted by the Carver County Sheriff’s Office and the Nevada Highway Patrol.
This case was prosecuted by W. Anders Folk, Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Minnesota, and William M. Narus, from the Justice Department’s Counterterrorism Section.