A 28 yo Michigan man who was arrested on a Syrian battlefield and accused of helping the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization, is facing new charges alleging he attended an ISIS camp and fired a machine gun on its behalf, in claims that could send him to prison for life if convicted.
Ibraheem Izzy Musaibli was previously indicted in July, 2018, with providing and attempting to provide material support to ISIS, was charged on Wednesday, April 10, 2019 with additional offenses.
The superseding indictment was brought against Mr. Musaibli, who was arraigned on the new indictment in federal court in Detroit.
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, United States Attorney Matthew J. Schneider and Special Agent in Charge Timothy R. Slater of the FBI’s Detroit Field Office made the announcement.
(The Dearborn native is facing federal charges after it was alleged that he supported the ISIS terrorist organization. Ibraheem Musaibli was arrested in Syria earlier in July. Courtesy of WXYZ-TV Detroit | Channel 7 and YouTube. Posted on Jul 24, 2018.)
The superseding indictment (see link below), alleges that, from April 2015 through June 2018, Mr. Musaibli knowingly provided and attempted to provide material support to ISIS, in the form of personnel and services, knowing that ISIS is a terrorist organization and that ISIS engages in terrorism.
The superseding indictment further alleges that Musiabli conspired to provide and provided material support to ISIS and that he received military-type training from and on behalf of ISIS.
The superseding indictment also charges Musaibli with knowingly possessing and discharging a machine gun in furtherance of a crime of violence, namely, providing material support to ISIS.
(Ibraheem Musaibli, 28, traveled from Dearborn to Syria and was identified by ISIS members as an ISIS militant, officials said. Courtesy of Click On Detroit | Local 4 | WDIV and YouTube. Posted on Jul 20, 2018.)
Musabli, a natural-born U.S. citizen, was detained overseas by Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and was transferred into U.S. custody in July 2018.
“The United States is committed to holding accountable its citizens who leave this country in order to support ISIS,” said Assistant Attorney General Demers.
“As alleged in the indictment, the defendant traveled overseas, joined ISIS, and received training from the terrorist organization.”
“He was ultimately detained overseas and turned over to the FBI.”
“With these charges, he will be held accountable for his crimes.”
“I want to thank all of those who are responsible for this investigation and prosecution.”
“The superseding indictment against Musaibli adds charges to more fully capture his conduct while with ISIS for some two and one-half years,” added U.S. Attorney Schneider.
“The superseding indictment alleges that, during that substantial period of time, Musaibli provided material support to ISIS, conspired with others to provide support to ISIS, possessed and fired a machine gun in support of ISIS, and attended an ISIS military training camp.”
“This superseding indictment reflects our commitment to prosecute anyone who supports terrorists to the full extent of the law.”
“By traveling to Syria to train and fight as a member of ISIS, Mr. Mousaibli fought against coalition forces, which included members of the US Military,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Slater.
“This case is a testament to the tireless efforts of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force which remains committed to detecting, thwarting, and bringing to justice individuals like Mr. Mousaibli who allegedly provided material support to and fought on behalf of a designated foreign terrorist organization.”
The charges in the superseding indictment carry a statutory mandatory minimum penalty of 40 years in prison and a maximum of up to life in prison.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.
