SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — A former San Diego resident was extradited back to the U.S. to face terrorism charges in federal court.
Abdullahi Ahmed Abdullahi, a 34-year-old Canadian national, appeared in court Friday on charges that he conspired with several other Canadian and U.S. citizens to provide material support to terrorists in Syria.
Prosecutors said Douglas McCain, known as the first American to die fighting for the Islamic State in 2014, was among those Abdullahi conspired with between 2013 and 2014.
Prosecutors say Abdullahi and co-conspirators provided personnel and money to individuals engaged in terrorist activities in Syria, including the killing, kidnapping, and maiming of persons.
Officials added that Abdullahi facilitated the travel of at least three Canadian nationals and two U.S. citizens to Syria to join and fight with ISIS.
Those individuals were reportedly later killed fighting for ISIS.
As part of their plans to provide financial support, Abdullahi's co-conspirators encouraged others to commit crimes, such as theft, prosecutors say. Abdullahi is charged with committing an armed robbery at a jewelry store in Canada to finance travel.
"Terrorist networks like ISIS cannot exist without supporters," said U.S. attorney Robert Brewer. "Protecting Americans from terrorists is our highest priority, and we will work hard to bring justice to those who provide material support to foreign terror organizations."
Abdullahi was detained and deemed a flight risk and danger to the community following his hearing Friday. A detention hearing is scheduled for Oct. 29.
