Chicago man accused of conspiring to support Islamic State

A federal judge on Friday ordered the detention of a Chicago man in a federal facility on the pretext that he had plotted to provide material support to a terrorist organization.

Ashraf Al Safoo, 34, allegedly spread ISIS propaganda on social media to recruit and encourage people to commit acts of violence in support of the terrorist group. Al Safoo, a naturalized US citizen of Iraqi origin, is an active member of the Khattab Media Foundation, an organization that creates pro-ISIS videos, articles and essays to be broadcast over the Internet, according to a criminal complaint.

"This charge demonstrates that, to ensure the safety of our communities, law enforcement will vigorously pursue those who provide material support – in any form whatsoever – to designated foreign terrorist organizations," he said. US lawyer John R. Lausch in a press release. "Today's arrest reflects the commitment and dedication of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners who oversee our country."

Al Safoo has re-issued an oath of allegiance to ISIS and its leader, Abu Bakr Al-Baghadadi, of Khattab to at least three social media groups, the complaint said. The FBI claims that Al Safoo encouraged other members of the organization's "staff group" to continue sharing ISIS messages and called for efforts to close accounts that were part of a "war of despair". media".

"Join the war and spread fear," said Al Safoo on May 23. "The Islamic State does not want you to look at these publications only, but rather [ISIS] wants to mobilize you. If you can not, work on mobilizing others for the cause. "

Al Safoo and other Khattab members planned "raids" on Twitter, posting pro-ISIS propaganda as part of massive efforts on their own accounts and hacked accounts they had taken over, according to the FBI. He also explained to other Khattab members how to use VPNs (virtual private networks) to hide their identities.

Jeffrey S. Sallet, special agent for the FBI Chicago office, said in a press release that US public safety is the highest priority of the office.

"Local terrorists and" isolated actor "operators continue to pose a threat to the homeland," said Sallet. "Today's arrest should send a clear message to these people, no matter who you are and wherever you are, we will meet you and stop you."

Al Safoo faces up to 20 years in prison for conspiracy charges.