The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently announced the arrest of Syed Aman, a U.S. citizen from New York, for allegedly attempting to join the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) to wage jihad. Aman was stopped by FBI agents at John F. Kennedy International Airport as he attempted to board a flight to Doha, Qatar, with plans to ultimately go to Syria to join ISIS. The DOJ highlighted that Aman’s intentions to provide support to ISIS were thwarted, and they will continue to prosecute individuals like him before they pose a threat to the safety of others.
Aman is accused of expressing his support for ISIS in an online forum between 2023 and 2024 and sending money to an individual he believed to be an ISIS operative to support the group’s efforts in Syria. He also allegedly planned to engage in jihad alongside ISIS. Most recently, Aman was in contact with a confidential human source (CHS) in connection to his plans to join ISIS, where he expressed his dedication to waging war on behalf of the group and traveling to ISIS-controlled areas. Aman’s hatred towards non-believers was evident in his statements and social media posts where he expressed a desire to kill Americans and become a martyr for ISIS.
In late October, Aman attempted to book flights to the Middle East, but his purchases were blocked by the credit card company. However, in a third attempt, he successfully booked a flight to Bangladesh through Qatar. Aman planned to get off his flight in Qatar and purchase another flight to Turkey, where he would cross into Syria to join ISIS. His arrest came as he attempted to board the flight at JFK Airport, where he was taken into custody by the FBI. The FBI emphasized its commitment to protecting the nation from individuals willing to support terrorist organizations like ISIS and expressed gratitude for the intervention that prevented Aman’s plans from coming to fruition.
The charges against Aman include attempting to provide material support to ISIS, based on his financial contributions and attempts to travel overseas to engage in jihad on behalf of the terrorist organization. Aman’s determination in his efforts to support ISIS was reflected in his actions and communications, as he expressed his commitment to the cause and his willingness to carry out attacks against non-believers. The DOJ’s complaint against Aman outlines the evidence against him, including his online statements, financial transactions, and plans for travel, all of which indicate his allegiance to ISIS and his intentions to participate in violent activities on their behalf.
The case of Syed Aman serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by individuals seeking to join terrorist organizations like ISIS and carry out attacks against innocent civilians. The DOJ and FBI’s swift response in preventing Aman from boarding his flight and potentially causing harm demonstrates the importance of proactive measures in combating terrorism. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the successful intervention in this case highlight the dedication to keeping the nation safe from individuals like Aman who support the ideals of terrorism and seek to engage in violent activities in the name of extremist groups.
