Tooba Gondal is a French ISIS member who recruited a number of high-profile “jihadi brides” for ISIS militants in Syria.Rohit Kachroo, “Former 'Islamic State matchmaker' Tooba Gondal deported from Turkey to France as part of repatriation attempt,” ITV, December 9, 2019, https://www.itv.com/news/2019-12-09/former-islamic-state-matchmaker-tooba-gondal-deported-from-turkey-to-france-as-part-of-repatriation-attempt. Gondal used social media platforms, such as Twitter, to groom and lure young women to make the trip to Syria and carry out their so-called duty as Muslim girls. Gondal allegedly organized the financial sponsorship of transporting three British school girls, including Shemima Begum, to Syria.Josie Ensor, “British and Irish women who recruited for Isil found in makeshift jail after escaping detention camp,” Telegraph, November 18, 2019, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/10/16/british-isil-recruiters-tooba-gondal-lisa-smith-found-makeshift/. After the fall of ISIS’s so-called territorial caliphate, Gondal was detained at a Kurdish-led detention center until she escaped and was arrested by Turkish forces in early November 2019.Richard Hall, “Nine suspected Isis members escape from camp in Syria amid Turkish offensive, France says,” Independent, October 16, 2019, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syria-war-isis-escape-turkey-invasion-kurds-france-latest-a9157776.html; Raf Sanchez, Josie Ensor, and Sara Elizabeth Williams, “British Isil 'matchmaker' feared to have escaped after mass prisoner breakout,” Telegraph, October 13, 2019, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/10/13/hundreds-islamic-state-prisoners-escape-amid-turkish-assault/; Bethan McKernan, “Turkey threatens to send foreign Isis suspects home from next week,” Guardian, November 8, 2019, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/08/turkey-isis-suspects-repatriation-islamic-state. On December 9, 2019, Gondal was deported from Turkey to France where she was detained upon arrival and was charged with terror offenses.Dave Burke, “ISIS 'matchmaker' who 'recruited Shamima Begum' pleads to be allowed back to UK,” Mirror, September 29, 2019, https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/isis-matchmaker-who-recruited-shamima-20330893; Henry Samuel, “Isil 'matchmaker' who lured British teen bride to Syria is deported to France,” Telegraph, December 9, 2019, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/12/09/isil-matchmaker-lured-british-teen-bride-syria-deported-france/.

Gondal was born in France, but raised in London, where she eventually went on to study English at Goldsmiths, University of London.“Tooba Gondal: who is the alleged ‘Isis matchmaker’?,” The Week, November 14, 2019, https://www.theweek.co.uk/104324/tooba-gondal-who-is-the-alleged-isis-matchmaker. From late-2014 to mid-2016, Gondal reportedly spent a lot of time on social media berating women who she considered “impious” and glorifying terrorist attacks.Simon Cottee, “The 'ISIS Matchmaker' Wants to Return to the UK,” Vice News, April 4, 2019, https://www.vice.com/en/article/j57wjd/tooba-gondal-isis-matchmaker-return-uk. Following the November 2015 Paris attacks—in which ISIS militants carried out a series of coordinated shootings and suicide bombings throughout Paris, killing 130 and wounding more than 350 others—Gondal had posted on Twitter that she “wished” she had been in the Bataclan to see the hostages “being slaughtered.”“Tooba Gondal: who is the alleged ‘Isis matchmaker’?,” The Week, November 14, 2019, https://www.theweek.co.uk/104324/tooba-gondal-who-is-the-alleged-isis-matchmaker; “Three Hours of Terror in Paris, Moment by Moment,” New York Times, November 9, 2016, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/11/13/world/europe/paris-shooting-attacks.html.

In 2015, Gondal traveled to Syria to join ISIS.Rohit Kachroo, “Former 'Islamic State matchmaker' Tooba Gondal deported from Turkey to France as part of repatriation attempt,” ITV, December 9, 2019, https://www.itv.com/news/2019-12-09/former-islamic-state-matchmaker-tooba-gondal-deported-from-turkey-to-france-as-part-of-repatriation-attempt. While in Syria, Gondal reportedly undertook weapons training and became one of ISIS’s chief recruiters of female ISIS members.Chris Dyer, “British ISIS 'matchmaker' and former Irish soldier-turned jihadi bride 'are held in Syrian rebel "safehouse" after escaping detention camps',” Daily Mail, October 16, 2019, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7580247/British-ISIS-matchmaker-ex-Irish-soldier-turned-jihadi-held-Syrian-rebels-escape.html; Simon Cottee, “The 'ISIS Matchmaker' Wants to Return to the UK,” Vice News, April 4, 2019, https://www.vice.com/en/article/j57wjd/tooba-gondal-isis-matchmaker-return-uk. Gondal groomed three English schoolgirls—Kadiza Sultana, who was killed after her house in Raqqa was bombed; Shamima Begum, who as of 2022 remains at al-Roj camp and seeks to return to the U.K.;Stewart Carr, “ISIS bride Shamima Begum begs Boris to bring her back to Britain from Syrian prison camp and claims she can help him tackle TERRORISM,” Daily Mail, January 25, 2022, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10440333/Shamima-Begum-begs-Boris-bring-Britain-help-tackle-TERRORISM.html. and Amira Abase whose whereabouts are unknown.Jake Wallis Simons, “EXCLUSIVE: 'She's overjoyed that she will see her family and her country again': Jihadi bride Shamima Begum is delighted with a court verdict that will allow her home to the UK,” Daily Mail, July 17, 2020, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8534493/Jihadi-bride-Shamima-Begum-delighted-court-verdict-allow-home-UK.html. Begum left the United Kingdom when she was 15 to join ISIS and was famously stripped of her citizenship by the then Home Secretary Sajid Javid in 2019.Martin Robinson, Paul Thompson, Joe Middleton, and David Barrett, “Jihadi bride Shamima Begum will face arrest for terror offences when she returns to UK to fight for her citizenship as she's pictured in Western-style jeans, shirt and a sun hat in Syrian refugee camp after bombshell High Court victory,” Daily Mail, July 16, 2020, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8531267/Shamima-Begum-pictured-wearing-jeans-shirt-blue-hat-walks-refugee-camp.html.

According to media reports, all three of Gondal’s late husbands were involved in ISIS activities.Dipesh Gadher, “I want to redeem myself,” says jihadi bride. ‘Take me home,’” Times, September 28, 2019, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/i-want-to-redeem-myself-says-jihadi-bride-take-me-home-h0bzxkg9d. Once Gondal arrived in Syria, she married her first husband, Abu Abbas al-Lubnani—an ISIS fighter from Lebanon who also served as a ringleader for recruiting women and girls in Britain to join ISIS. Following al-Lubnani’s death in battle in August 2015, Gondal married a British ISIS recruit who later fathered her first child. However, Gondal divorced her second husband and he later died in a suicide bombing. Gondal then married for a third time to a jihadist from Dagestan in the Russian Caucuses and gave birth to one other son before her husband was killed, presumably in battle.Simon Cottee, “The 'ISIS Matchmaker' Wants to Return to the UK,” Vice News, April 4, 2019, https://www.vice.com/en/article/j57wjd/tooba-gondal-isis-matchmaker-return-uk; Dipesh Gadher, Times, September 28, 2019, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/i-want-to-redeem-myself-says-jihadi-bride-take-me-home-h0bzxkg9d.

At some point in 2018, Gondal was detained by Kurdish forces and held at Ain Issa camp in northern Syria.Sam Courtney-Guy, “Isis ‘matchmaker’ who recruited Shamima Begum begs to return to UK,” Metro, September 29, 2019, https://metro.co.uk/2019/09/29/isis-matchmaker-recruited-shamima-begum-begs-return-uk-10828475/. On September 29, 2019, Gondal issued an open letter to the British public in which she claimed she was a changed person and wished to help prevent “vulnerable Muslims from being targeted and radicalized.”“Tooba Gondal: Isis bride begs to come home to UK in public apology,” The Independent, September 29, 2019, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/tooba-gondal-isis-jihadi-bride-apology-uk-syria-camp-islamic-state-a9125236.html. Gondal escaped the detention center on October 13, 2019 and was arrested by Turkish forces near Turkey’s border in early November.Richard Hall, “Nine suspected Isis members escape from camp in Syria amid Turkish offensive, France says,” Independent, October 16, 2019, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/syria-war-isis-escape-turkey-invasion-kurds-france-latest-a9157776.html; Raf Sanchez, Josie Ensor, and Sara Elizabeth Williams, “British Isil 'matchmaker' feared to have escaped after mass prisoner breakout,” Telegraph, October 13, 2019, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/10/13/hundreds-islamic-state-prisoners-escape-amid-turkish-assault/; Bethan McKernan, “Turkey threatens to send foreign Isis suspects home from next week,” Guardian, November 8, 2019, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/08/turkey-isis-suspects-repatriation-islamic-state. Turkey deported Gondal to France on December 9, 2019, where she was detained upon arrival and was charged with terror offenses.Dave Burke, “ISIS 'matchmaker' who 'recruited Shamima Begum' pleads to be allowed back to UK,” Mirror, September 29, 2019, https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/isis-matchmaker-who-recruited-shamima-20330893; Henry Samuel, “Isil 'matchmaker' who lured British teen bride to Syria is deported to France,” Telegraph, December 9, 2019, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/12/09/isil-matchmaker-lured-british-teen-bride-syria-deported-france/. As of February 2022, Gondal is still awaiting trial.

Gul Agha Ishakzai, better known as Gul Agha, is a U.N.-sanctioned Taliban senior leader who is a close friend and advisor to Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Omar.“Security Council 1988 Committee Amends 105 Entries on Its Sanctions List,” United Nations, November 29, 2011, https://www.un.org/press/en/2011/sc10465.doc.htm. Following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, Gul Agha was named minister of finance of the Taliban government.“Taliban forms 33-member cabinet in Afghanistan: Full list,” Hindustan Times, September 8, 2021, https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/taliban-forms-33-member-cabinet-in-afghanistan-full-list-101631066722518.html.

A member of the Ishaqzai tribe, Gul Agha is a childhood friend of Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Omar. As one of Omar’s closest advisors, Gul Agha reportedly served as his principal finance officer. According to the United Nations, at one point no one was allowed to meet with Omar unless previously approved by Gul Agha. During the first Taliban regime, Gul Agha allegedly lived in the presidential palace with Omar.“GUL AGHA ISHAKZAI,” United Nations Security Council, July 20, 2010, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1988/materials/summaries/individual/gul-agha-ishakzai.

Gul Agha reportedly facilitated the movement of people and goods to Taliban training camps in December 2005, and later traveled to obtain weapon parts in late 2006.“GUL AGHA ISHAKZAI,” United Nations Security Council, July 20, 2010, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1988/materials/summaries/individual/gul-agha-ishakzai. Among Gul Agha’s more nefarious responsibilities included collecting money for suicide attacks in Kandahar, Afghanistan and distributing funds to Taliban fighters and their families.“GUL AGHA ISHAKZAI,” United Nations Security Council, July 20, 2010, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1988/materials/summaries/individual/gul-agha-ishakzai.

According to media sources, one of Gul Agha’s most recent roles was as a member of a Taliban Council that coordinated the collection of zakat (Islamic tax) throughout Baluchistan Province, Pakistan. Additionally, according to the United Nations, from at least July 2010, Gul Agha served as head of the Taliban Financial Commission—a role which he held until September 2021.“GUL AGHA ISHAKZAI,” United Nations Security Council, July 20, 2010, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1988/materials/summaries/individual/gul-agha-ishakzai; “Taliban appoint senior veterans to key ministerial posts,” Reuters, August 25, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/taliban-appoint-senior-veterans-key-ministerial-posts-2021-08-25/. Given his prominent role within the Taliban, the United Nations Security Council sanctioned Gul Agha on July 10, 2010, and the U.K. Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation sanctioned Gul Agha on July 30, 2010.“Security Council 1988 Committee Amends 105 Entries on Its Sanctions List,” United Nations, November 29, 2011, https://www.un.org/press/en/2011/sc10465.doc.htm; “CONSOLIDATED LIST OF FINANCIAL SANCTIONS TARGETS IN THE UK,” Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation HM  Treasury, February 1, 2021, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/957420/afghanistan.pdf.

On August 6, 2021, the Taliban began an offensive against major Afghan cities with the seizure of Zaranj, capital of Nimruz province.Susannah George and Ezzatullah Mehrdad, “Taliban fighters overrun an Afghan provincial capital for the first time since withdrawal of foreign forces,” Washington Post, August 6, 2021, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/08/06/afghanistan-taliban-nimruz/. By August 13, the Taliban controlled 17 of Afghanistan’s 34 provincial capitals and more than two-thirds of the country.Rahim Faiez, and Joseph Krauss, “Taliban sweep across Afghanistan’s south; take 4 more cities,” Associated Press, August 13, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-taliban-c6c8d4a41c554f36031a8131538d1402. On August 15, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled Afghanistan and thousands of Afghans poured into Kabul’s airport as Taliban fighters entered the city. By August 16, the Taliban laid siege to the presidential palace and took complete control of Kabul, after which the Taliban declared the war in Afghanistan had ended.“Taliban declares ‘war is over’ as president and diplomats flee Kabul,” Reuters, August 15, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/talibans-rapid-advance-across-afghanistan-2021-08-10/. The Taliban has claimed that it would take on a more “moderate” approach in their ruling of the country, and that women are allowed to have roles in public life in observance of “Islamic law.”“Factbox: Taliban seek to present a moderate face as they take control in Afghanistan,” Reuters, August 15, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/taliban-seek-present-moderate-face-they-take-control-afghanistan-2021-08-15/.

On September 7, 2021, the Taliban announced the official appointments within their caretaker government. Gul Agha was appointed minister of finance of the Taliban government.“Taliban forms 33-member cabinet in Afghanistan: Full list,” Hindustan Times, September 8, 2021, https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/taliban-forms-33-member-cabinet-in-afghanistan-full-list-101631066722518.html. The government is exclusively male, with many positions filled with veterans from their hardline movement in the early nineties.Matthieu Aikins and Jim Huylebroek, “Taliban Appoint Stalwarts to Top Government Posts,” New York Times, September 7, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/07/world/asia/taliban-women-protest-kabul-afghanistan.html; Kathy Gannon, “Taliban form all-male Afghan government of old guard members,” Associated Press, September 8, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-pakistan-afghanistan-arrests-islamabad-d50b1b490d27d32eb20cc11b77c12c87.

Halis Bayancuk, a.k.a. Abu Hanzala, is a Turkish jihadist preacher who has encouraged many young men to join al-Qaeda and ISIS. According to regional analysts, Bayancuk is ISIS’s leader in Turkey.Kasim Cindemir, “Turkey’s ‘Islamic State Leader’ Is Arrested Once Again,” Voice of America, March 8, 2017, https://www.voanews.com/extremism-watch/turkeys-islamic-state-leader-arrested-once-again. Until 2018, Bayancuk has been detained numerous times, but was always freed due to lack of evidence or problems involving the charges against him.“ISIS’ Turkey ‘leader’ sentenced to 12 years in jail,” Ahval, February 8, 2021, https://ahvalnews.com/abu-hanzala/isis-turkey-leader-sentenced-12-years-jail. On February 8, 2021, Bayancuk was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment on charges of “establishing and leading an armed terror group.”“ISIS’ Turkey ‘leader’ sentenced to 12 years in jail,” Ahval, February 8, 2021, https://ahvalnews.com/abu-hanzala/isis-turkey-leader-sentenced-12-years-jail.

Bayancuk, who is a member of the Zaza ethnic group, has been monitored by the Turkish police since 2007 when he first began preaching radical views similar to those espoused by al-Qaeda.Abdullah Bozkurt, “Abu Hanzala, who inspired many to join al-Qaeda and ISIS, runs jihadist outfit from a prison in Turkey,” Nordic Monitor, July 22, 2021, https://nordicmonitor.com/2021/07/abu-hanzala-who-inspired-many-to-join-al-qaeda-and-isis-runs-its-jihadist-outfit-from-a-prison-in-turkey/; A. Smith, “'Leader Of ISIS In Turkey' Sentenced To 14 Years In Prison For Terror Offenses; His Organization Continues To Operate Dozens Of Social Media Accounts – Including On Facebook, Instagram, And WhatsApp – And To Produce Videos And A Monthly Magazine,” Middle East Media Research Institute, October 26, 2018, https://www.memri.org/reports/leader-isis-turkey-sentenced-14-years-prison-terror-offenses-his-organization-continues#_edn3. Bayancuk’s involvement with the Turkish al-Qaeda network began after Habip Akdaş, a chief al-Qaeda figure in Turkey was killed in a U.S. airstrike in Iraq. Akdaş allegedly carried out the 2003 attacks on the British Consulate General, an HSBC bank, and two synagogues in Istanbul.Abdullah Bozkurt, “Abu Hanzala, who inspired many to join al-Qaeda and ISIS, runs jihadist outfit from a prison in Turkey,” Nordic Monitor, July 22, 2021, https://nordicmonitor.com/2021/07/abu-hanzala-who-inspired-many-to-join-al-qaeda-and-isis-runs-its-jihadist-outfit-from-a-prison-in-turkey/.

In 2008, Bayancuk allegedly met with known jihadists and was leading an al-Qaeda-aligned group  that sought to carry out terror attacks in Turkey. The group, which rejects Turkey’s government and the constitutional order, also ran several illegal madrassas and seeks to establish a religious state under sharia. That same year, Bayancuk was detained and considered the primary suspect among 35 others in connection to a terrorist plot targeting a synagogue in Istanbul. Prosecutors demanded Bayancuk receive a sentence of 15 to 22 and a half years imprisonment for leading a terrorist organization.Abdullah Bozkurt, “Abu Hanzala, who inspired many to join al-Qaeda and ISIS, runs jihadist outfit from a prison in Turkey,” Nordic Monitor, July 22, 2021, https://nordicmonitor.com/2021/07/abu-hanzala-who-inspired-many-to-join-al-qaeda-and-isis-runs-its-jihadist-outfit-from-a-prison-in-turkey/. Bayancuk was also allegedly one of the planners of the synagogue bombings in Istanbul in 2008 but was released in May 2009 due to lack of evidence.Kasim Cindemir, “Turkey’s ‘Islamic State Leader’ Is Arrested Once Again,” Voice of America, March 8, 2017, https://www.voanews.com/extremism-watch/turkeys-islamic-state-leader-arrested-once-again.

In 2011, Bayancuk and 50 alleged al-Qaeda members were arrested in a national roundup of terrorists. However, Bayancuk was once again released due to lack of evidence.Kasim Cindemir, “Turkey’s ‘Islamic State Leader’ Is Arrested Once Again,” Voice of America, March 8, 2017, https://www.voanews.com/extremism-watch/turkeys-islamic-state-leader-arrested-once-again. A few years later, in January 2014, Bayancuk was detained in another nationwide al-Qaeda sweep. Bayancuk was charged with facilitating the passage of foreign and Turkish fighters to Syria as well as providing weapons and logistical support to extremists.Kasim Cindemir, “Turkey’s ‘Islamic State Leader’ Is Arrested Once Again,” Voice of America, March 8, 2017, https://www.voanews.com/extremism-watch/turkeys-islamic-state-leader-arrested-once-again. The suspects allegedly collected donations from locals and sent them to al-Qaeda fighters in Syria. However, the prosecution was thwarted when the government removed police chiefs and prosecutors who were in charge of investigating Bayancuk’s case.Abdullah Bozkurt, “Abu Hanzala, who inspired many to join al-Qaeda and ISIS, runs jihadist outfit from a prison in Turkey,” Nordic Monitor, July 22, 2021, https://nordicmonitor.com/2021/07/abu-hanzala-who-inspired-many-to-join-al-qaeda-and-isis-runs-its-jihadist-outfit-from-a-prison-in-turkey/.

Bayancuk was released in October 2014 after the Turkish government set up the penal courts of peace, a special partisan court system. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reportedly then enlisted Bayancuk as an ally against Fethullah Gülen, a Turkish Muslim scholar resident in the United States who criticized Erdoğan’s corrupt administration and claimed Erdoğan’s policies helped to arm radical jihadist groups.Abdullah Bozkurt, “Abu Hanzala, who inspired many to join al-Qaeda and ISIS, runs jihadist outfit from a prison in Turkey,” Nordic Monitor, July 22, 2021, https://nordicmonitor.com/2021/07/abu-hanzala-who-inspired-many-to-join-al-qaeda-and-isis-runs-its-jihadist-outfit-from-a-prison-in-turkey/.

After being released, Bayancuk established ties with ISIS.Kasim Cindemir, “Turkey’s ‘Islamic State Leader’ Is Arrested Once Again,” Voice of America, March 8, 2017, https://www.voanews.com/extremism-watch/turkeys-islamic-state-leader-arrested-once-again. In July 2015, Bayancuk then led hundreds of his supporters in Eid prayers in Istanbul where he criticized the Turkish government and called for war. The opposition called the demonstration an assembly of ISIS militants.Abdullah Bozkurt, “Abu Hanzala, who inspired many to join al-Qaeda and ISIS, runs jihadist outfit from a prison in Turkey,” Nordic Monitor, July 22, 2021, https://nordicmonitor.com/2021/07/abu-hanzala-who-inspired-many-to-join-al-qaeda-and-isis-runs-its-jihadist-outfit-from-a-prison-in-turkey/.

Bayancuk was again arrested in 2015 when police raided his home and seized a number of ISIS-related documents. He was released in March 2016.“Leading jihadist figure in Turkey Abu Hanzala convicted,” Hurriyet Daily News, June 28, 2018, https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/leading-jihadist-figure-in-turkey-abu-hanzala-convicted-133904. In March 2017, after government officials canceled one of Bayancuk’s planned speaking engagements, Bayancuk threatened personnel of the Istanbul Governor’s Office via a video broadcast online. Bayancuk was subsequently detained. At some point soon afterwards, Bayancuk was released.“Court arrests key ISIL militant ‘Abu Hanzala’ in Turkey’s northwest,” Hurriyet Daily News, June 8, 2017, https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/court-arrests-key-isil-militant-abu-hanzala-in-turkeys-northwest--114084. A couple of months later, in May 2017, the Sakarya attorney general’s office accuses Bayancuk of operating a secret mosque to recruit members for ISIS.A. Smith, “'Leader Of ISIS In Turkey' Sentenced To 14 Years In Prison For Terror Offenses; His Organization Continues To Operate Dozens Of Social Media Accounts – Including On Facebook, Instagram, And WhatsApp – And To Produce Videos And A Monthly Magazine,” Middle East Media Research Institute, October 26, 2018, https://www.memri.org/reports/leader-isis-turkey-sentenced-14-years-prison-terror-offenses-his-organization-continues#_edn3.

Bayancuk was once again arrested on June 7, 2017 and sent to jail on charges of “attempting to remove the constitutional order” and “being a member of the ISIL armed terrorist group.”“Court arrests key ISIL militant ‘Abu Hanzala’ in Turkey’s northwest,” Hurriyet Daily News, June 8, 2017, https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/court-arrests-key-isil-militant-abu-hanzala-in-turkeys-northwest--114084. A May 2018 indictment against Bayancuk following an investigation in Diyarbakir determined that Bayancuk allegedly promoted jihad in his religious lectures and claimed that jihad was a religious obligation for all Muslims. Furthermore, according to media sources, Bayancuk’s writing and videos are shared on many Turkish-language Salafi-jihadi websites and social media accounts. One website, Tevhiddersleri.tv—which is allegedly part of a larger network of Bayancuk-affiliated websites hosted in both Michigan and Turkey—had over 2,000 videos and audio recordings of his lectures and featured many of his writings.A. Smith, “'Leader Of ISIS In Turkey' Sentenced To 14 Years In Prison For Terror Offenses; His Organization Continues To Operate Dozens Of Social Media Accounts – Including On Facebook, Instagram, And WhatsApp – And To Produce Videos And A Monthly Magazine,” Middle East Media Research Institute, October 26, 2018, https://www.memri.org/reports/leader-isis-turkey-sentenced-14-years-prison-terror-offenses-his-organization-continues#_edn3.

On June 27, 2018, a Sakarya court sentenced Bayancuk to 12 years and six months in prison for the crime of “establishing and managing an armed terror organization” and to another year, six months, and 22 days for “organization propaganda,” for a total sentence of 14 years and 22 days.A. Smith, “'Leader Of ISIS In Turkey' Sentenced To 14 Years In Prison For Terror Offenses; His Organization Continues To Operate Dozens Of Social Media Accounts – Including On Facebook, Instagram, And WhatsApp – And To Produce Videos And A Monthly Magazine,” Middle East Media Research Institute, October 26, 2018, https://www.memri.org/reports/leader-isis-turkey-sentenced-14-years-prison-terror-offenses-his-organization-continues#_edn3. In Bayancuk’s first hearing on April 9, 2020, the court ruled to release him, but he was promptly arrested again when opposition parties questioned the release in parliament.Abdullah Bozkurt, “Abu Hanzala, who inspired many to join al-Qaeda and ISIS, runs jihadist outfit from a prison in Turkey,” Nordic Monitor, July 22, 2021, https://nordicmonitor.com/2021/07/abu-hanzala-who-inspired-many-to-join-al-qaeda-and-isis-runs-its-jihadist-outfit-from-a-prison-in-turkey/. On February 8, 2021, an Istanbul court sentenced Bayancuk to 18 months imprisonment on charges of “establishing and leading an armed terror group.” Bayancuk denies being the leader of Turkey’s ISIS cell.“ISIS’ Turkey ‘leader’ sentenced to 12 years in jail,” Ahval, February 8, 2021, https://ahvalnews.com/abu-hanzala/isis-turkey-leader-sentenced-12-years-jail.

Although in jail, Bayancuk’s “charity” organization—Ecir Kapısı Hizmet Eğitim ve Kültür Derneği—remains in operation across several Turkish provinces such as Diyarbakir, Bursa, Konya, and Van, and allegedly receives donations via a British money transfer company called Wise, formerly known as Transferwise. According to media sources, Turkish authorities are aware of Bayancuk’s organization, which was established in 2019, and have yet to halt operations. Additionally, the Bayancuk group’s Konya-based publishing house, Tevhid Kitabevi, continues to sell books and disseminate Hanzala’s articles and sermons online.Abdullah Bozkurt, “Abu Hanzala, who inspired many to join al-Qaeda and ISIS, runs jihadist outfit from a prison in Turkey,” Nordic Monitor, July 22, 2021, https://nordicmonitor.com/2021/07/abu-hanzala-who-inspired-many-to-join-al-qaeda-and-isis-runs-its-jihadist-outfit-from-a-prison-in-turkey/.

According to media sources, the association was approved by the Interior Ministry under registration number 34-251-178. Additionally, the association raises funds in foreign denominations and uses an Islamic lender—Kuveyt Türk, which is run by close associates of the Turkish president—or Wise, a London-based financial technology company.Abdullah Bozkurt, “Abu Hanzala, who inspired many to join al-Qaeda and ISIS, runs jihadist outfit from a prison in Turkey,” Nordic Monitor, July 22, 2021, https://nordicmonitor.com/2021/07/abu-hanzala-who-inspired-many-to-join-al-qaeda-and-isis-runs-its-jihadist-outfit-from-a-prison-in-turkey/.

Farrukh Furkatovitch Fayzimatov is a U.S.-designated recruiter and financier for Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). On July 28. 2021, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Fayzimatov as a Specially Designated National (SDN) for providing financial and material support to a terror organization.“Treasury Designates Al-Qa’ida-Linked Financial Facilitators in Turkey and Syria,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, July 28, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0293.

Syria-based Fayzimatov allegedly utilized social media to post propaganda, recruit new members, and solicit donations for the internationally sanctioned HTS.“Treasury Designates Al-Qa’ida-Linked Financial Facilitators in Turkey and Syria,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, July 28, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0293; Thomas Joscelyn, “Al Qaeda and allies announce ‘new entity’ in Syria,” Long War Journal, January 28, 2017, http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2017/01/al-qaeda-and-allies-announce-new-entity-in-syria.php. Fayzimatov also purchased equipment, particularly motorbikes, for HTS. The purchases were funded through community fundraising campaigns that Fayzimatov had organized.“Treasury Designates Al-Qa’ida-Linked Financial Facilitators in Turkey and Syria,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, July 28, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0293.

According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Fayzimatov holds a digital currency address listed as XBT 17a5bpKvEp1j1Trs4qTbcNZrby53JbaS9C.“Counter Terrorism Designations; Syria and Syria-Related Designations and Designations Updates,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, July 28, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/recent-actions/20210728. According to media sources, the wallet belonging to Fayzimatov made 24 transactions on the bitcoin blockchain. The wallet is now empty, but reportedly sent about 0.25 BTC in total.Cheyenne Ligon, “US Sanctions Bitcoin Address Belonging to Suspected Syria-Based Terrorist Fundraiser,” Coindesk, July 28, 2021, https://www.coindesk.com/us-sanctions-a-bitcoin-address-belonging-to-suspected-syria-based-terrorist-fundraiser.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Fayzimatov on July 28, 2021, for materially assisting and providing financial support to HTS.“Treasury Designates Al-Qa’ida-Linked Financial Facilitators in Turkey and Syria,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, July 28, 2021, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0293.

Ghazi Nassereddine is a U.S.-designated Hezbollah agent who attained a high-level diplomatic position in Venezuela’s government under deceased president Hugo Chavez, which he used to facilitate Hezbollah’s networks in South America.“Treasury Targets Hizballah in Venezuela,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, June 18, 2008, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/pages/hp1036.aspx. Nassereddine is wanted by the FBI for questioning in relation to Hezbollah’s activities in South America.“FBI Adds Lebanese Man to Seeking Information – Terrorism List,” FBI, January 29, 2015, https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/miami/news/press-releases/fbi-adds-lebanese-man-to-seeking-information-terrorism-list.

Born in Lebanon, Nassereddine moved to Venezuela in approximately 2000 and gained citizenship.“Testimony of Ambassador Roger F. Noriega Before the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, Peace Corps, and Global Narcotics Affairs,” U.S. Senate, February 16, 2012, https://www.foreign.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Roger_Noriega_Testimony1.pdf. Under Chavez’s regime, Nassereddine served as Venezuela’s chargé d’affaires to Damascus, Syria. According to the U.S. government, Nassereddine used his diplomatic position to aid Hezbollah donors in directly transferring contributions to Hezbollah, including by providing specific information on bank accounts benefitting Hezbollah. He also facilitated the travel of Hezbollah members to and from Venezuela. In approximately 2008, Nassereddine became the director of Political Aspects at the Venezuelan embassy in Lebanon and used the position to further strengthen Hezbollah.“Treasury Targets Hizballah in Venezuela,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, June 18, 2008, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/pages/hp1036.aspx. In August 2010, Chavez hosted a summit in Caracas with a Hezbollah leader, Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad Secretary-General Ramadan Shallah. Nassereddine allegedly coordinated the logistics of the meeting, which was requested by Iran.“Hezbollah in Latin America – Implications for U.S. Homeland Security, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence of the Committee on Homeland Security House of Representatives One Hundred Twelfth Congress First Session, Govinfo.gov,  July 7, 2011, https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CHRG-112hhrg72255/html/CHRG-112hhrg72255.htm/.

Nassereddine made high-level connections in South America during his government service, which he used for criminal activities. He worked directly with Venezuelan cocaine kingpin Walid Makled, who was later arrested in Colombia in 2010 on charges of smuggling 10 tons of cocaine a month to the United States.Hezbollah in Latin America – Implications for U.S. Homeland Security, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence of the Committee on Homeland Security House of Representatives One Hundred Twelfth Congress First Session, Govinfo.gov,  July 7, 2011, https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CHRG-112hhrg72255/html/CHRG-112hhrg72255.htm/. Nassereddine worked with another official of Lebanese descent in Chavez’s government, Tareck El Aissami in Venezuela’s interior ministry. In 2009, Nassereddine arranged a meeting in Syria between Hezbollah operatives and former Venezuelan intelligence head Hugo Carvajal and El Aissami, who was then Venezuela’s interior minister. The Hezbollah agents reportedly gave Carvajal and El Aissami three assault rifles as gifts.Hagay Hacohen, “Venezuela ex-spy chief reveals Maduro’s ties to Hezbollah, drugs,” Jerusalem Post, February 24, 2019, https://www.jpost.com/omg/venezuela-ex-spy-chief-reveals-maduros-ties-to-hezbollah-drugs-581615. The meeting reportedly resulted in a 2014 cocaine-for-weapons deal between Hezbollah and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia—People’s Army (FARC), in which Hezbollah brought a cargo plane full of small arms to Caracas. The weapons were transferred to military base.Joseph M. Humire, “The Maduro-Hezbollah Nexus: How Iran-backed Networks Prop up the Venezuelan Regime,” Atlantic Council, October 7, 2020, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/in-depth-research-reports/issue-brief/the-maduro-hezbollah-nexus-how-iran-backed-networks-prop-up-the-venezuelan-regime/. El Aissami is accused of working with Nassereddine to increase Iran’s influence in South America and recruit young Arab-Venezuelans for paramilitary training in Lebanon with Hezbollah. After Chavez’s death in 2013, Nassereddine continued a high-level relationship with new Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro. El Aissami was named vice president under Maduro in 2017. The United States, European Union, and Canada have levied sanctions on El Aissami and accuse him of drug smuggling.“Treasury Sanctions Prominent Venezuelan Drug Trafficker Tareck El Aissami and His Primary Frontman Samark Lopez Bello,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, February 13, 2017, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/as0005.aspx; Jim Wyss, “European Union hits 11 more Venezuelans with sanctions,” Miami Herald, June 25, 2018, https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/venezuela/article213778194.html; “Venezuelan sanctions,” Government of Canada, September 22, 2017, https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2017/09/venezuela_sanctions.html. The U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement added El Aissami to its most-wanted list in 2019.“Former vice president of Venezuela Tareck El Aissami and Venezuelan businessman Samark Lopez Bello added to ICE’s Most Wanted List for international narcotics trafficking, money laundering,” U.S. ICE, August 14, 2019, https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/former-vice-president-venezuela-tareck-el-aissami-and-venezuelan-businessman-samark.

The Nasseredine clan is one of a handful of Lebanese families in South America accused of providing support for Hezbollah and is allegedly linked to the Maduro regime in Venezuela.Joseph M. Humire, “The Maduro-Hezbollah Nexus: How Iran-backed Networks Prop up the Venezuelan Regime,” Atlantic Council, October 7, 2020, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/in-depth-research-reports/issue-brief/the-maduro-hezbollah-nexus-how-iran-backed-networks-prop-up-the-venezuelan-regime. Nassereddine’s family has built relationships throughout South America’s Muslim communities. Nassereddine has worked with two of his brothers to fundraise, launder money, and recruit for Hezbollah. As of 2011, his brother Abdallah Nassereddine worked with the Federation of Arab and American Associations (FEARAB), which has affiliates across South America and the Caribbean. Another brother, Oday Nassereddine, has worked to recruit through the pro-Chavez Circulos Bolivarianos (Bolivian Circles) in Barquisimeto, Venezuela.Hezbollah in Latin America – Implications for U.S. Homeland Security, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence of the Committee on Homeland Security House of Representatives One Hundred Twelfth Congress First Session, Govinfo.gov,  July 7, 2011, https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CHRG-112hhrg72255/html/CHRG-112hhrg72255.htm/. Critics have compared the Circulos Bolivarianos to militias that have used force against anti-government demonstrators.Greg Morsbach, “Chavez accused of fostering militia links,” BBC News, June 12, 2002, http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/2038827.stm. In 2013, Ghazi and Oday Nassereddine reportedly traveled to Cancun, Mexico, to meet with the Los Zetas drug cartel to negotiate passage into the United States for Hezbollah agents in exchange for facilitating cocaine shipments to the Middle East.Gustavo Sierra, “Hezbollah en la Triple Frontera: los predicadores que llegan en el vuelo de ‘Aeroterror,’” InfoBae, January 10, 20219, https://www.infobae.com/america/america-docs/2019/01/10/hezbollah-en-la-triple-frontera-los-predicadores-que-llegan-en-el-vuelo-de-aeroterror/.

Nassereddine reportedly left Syria in 2011.Florencia Montaruli, “Tareck El Aissami: Hezbollah’s Biggest Benefactor in Venezuela,” Iran Wire, May 4, 2021, https://iranwire.com/en/features/9471. In January 2015, the FBI reportedly believed Nassereddine was in southern Florida fundraising for Hezbollah.Mike LaChance, “FBI searching for suspected Hezbollah agent in Florida,” Legal Insurrection, January 31, 2015, https://legalinsurrection.com/2015/01/fbi-searching-for-suspected-hezbollah-agent-in-florida/. He later took over as head of the Venezuelan thinktank Global AZ, which claims on its Facebook page to offer political and geopolitical analysis.GlobalAZ, Facebook page, accessed June 9, 2021, https://www.facebook.com/cdaglobalaz/?ref=page_internal. Nassereddine reportedly continued to lead the organization as of October 2020,Joseph M. Humire, “The Maduro-Hezbollah Nexus: How Iran-backed Networks Prop up the Venezuelan Regime,” Atlantic Council, October 7, 2020, https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/in-depth-research-reports/issue-brief/the-maduro-hezbollah-nexus-how-iran-backed-networks-prop-up-the-venezuelan-regime/. but the group’s website, www.globalaz.com/ve, was defunct as of June 2021. Its Facebook page remained online with broken links to articles authored by Nassereddine. The last article posted was dated October 2019 about the United States employing puppets in international agencies. Nassereddine wrote a January 2016 articled called, “Saudi Arabia, the American Monarchy.”GlobalAZ, Facebook page, accessed June 9, 2021, https://www.facebook.com/cdaglobalaz/?ref=page_internal. As of June 9, 2021, Nassereddine’s Twitter account still listed his position as president of Global AZ. The account listed his location as “Con Maduro,” or “With Maduro.”Ghazi Atef, Twitter account, accessed June 9, 2021, https://twitter.com/GhaziAtef.

Riduan Isamuddin, better known as Hambali, is an internationally designated terrorist, former al-Qaeda operative, and leader of Jemaah Islamiyah (JI). Hambali, a citizen of Indonesia, is one of 17 high-value detainees at United States Naval Base Guantánamo Bay in Cuba.“The Guantánamo Docket: Hambali (Riduan Isamuddin),” New York Times, accessed February 1, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10019-hambali-riduan-isamuddin-/documents/5. Hambali is suspected of playing a key role in a number of terrorist attacks in Indonesia, including JI’s first major terrorist operation in December 2000, which targeted 28 churches in Jakarta, Sumatra, and Java. He was also linked to the 9/11 attacks in the United States, according to the U.N. Security Council.“Nurjaman Riduan Isamuddin,” United Nations Security Council, March 28, 2011, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries/individual/nurjaman-riduan-isamuddin; “Jemaah Islamiyah,” United Nations Security Council, April 17, 2018,  https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries/entity/jemaah-islamiyah. Hambali was also believed to be responsible for laundering money used to finance al-Qaeda terrorist plots, including the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and the failed 1995 Bojinka plot.Aurel Croissant and Daniel Barlow, “Government Responses in Southeast Asia,” Terrorism Financing and State Responses: A Comparative Perspective (Stanford: Stanford UP), p. 212, http://www.sup.org/books/title/?id=10507. In January 2017, the U.S. Defense Department charged Hambali and two associates—Malaysian nationals Mohammed Nazir Bin Lep, a.k.a. Lillie, and Mohd Farik Bin Amin, a.k.a. Zubair—with planning and facilitating the October 2002 Bali attack and the August 2003 JW Marriott Hotel attack in Jakarta.Carol Rosenberg, “U.S. charges Hambali at Guantánamo with Bali, Jakarta terrorist bombings,” Miami Herald, June 23, 2017, https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/guantanamo/article157887649.html.

Hambali was born and educated in Indonesia. In 1985, he moved to Malaysia to pursue work and married a local woman. He was exposed to Islamist extremist teachings of various clerics and came under the mentorship of exiled Indonesian cleric Abdullah Sungkar, who would go on to co-found JI. Sungkar facilitated Hambali’s travel to Afghanistan in 1986, in order to train at Rasul Sayyaf’s Sada camp and fight against the Soviets.National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States, Thomas H. Kean, and Lee Hamilton. 2004. The 9/11 Commission report: final report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States. (Washington, D.C.): National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States, http://govinfo.library.unt.edu/911/report/911Report_Ch5.pdf; “The Guantánamo Docket: Hambali (Riduan Isamuddin): JTF-GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, October 30, 2008, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10019-hambali-riduan-isamuddin-/documents/11. According to the U.N. Security Council, Hambali fought alongside and made contact with several al-Qaeda leaders, including Osama bin Laden and Khalid Sheikh Mohammed (KSM).“Nurjaman Riduan Isamuddin,” United Nations Security Council, March 28, 2011, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries/individual/nurjaman-riduan-isamuddin. Hambali returned to Malaysia in 1988, reuniting with Sungkar and strengthening his association with other extremists such as Islamist cleric and JI co-founder Abu Bakar Bashir. By his own account, Hambali traveled throughout Southeast Asia during this time, promoting militant extremism.“Nurjaman Riduan Isamuddin,” United Nations Security Council, March 28, 2011, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries/individual/nurjaman-riduan-isamuddin; “The Guantánamo Docket: Hambali (Riduan Isamuddin): JTF-GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, October 30, 2008, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10019-hambali-riduan-isamuddin-/documents/11.

In January 1993, while still exiled in Malaysia, Sungkar and Bashir formally established JI with the goal of creating an Islamic state under sharia across much of Southeast Asia. JI was heavily influenced by bin Laden and al-Qaeda. Founding members of both JI and al-Qaeda had similarly trained or fought in Pakistan and Afghanistan during the late 1980s and early 1990s.“Jemaah Islamiyah,” United Nations Security Council, April 17, 2018,  https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries/entity/jemaah-islamiyah. During the 1990s, Hambali traveled across Southeast Asia to develop relationships between JI and other Islamist groups, including in the Philippines.“The Guantánamo Docket: Hambali (Riduan Isamuddin): JTF-GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, accessed February 1, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10019-hambali-riduan-isamuddin-/documents/11. According to the 9/11 Commission Report, Hambali assumed responsibility for the Singapore-Malaysia region of the newly-formed terrorist organization JI in 1998.National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States, Thomas H. Kean, and Lee Hamilton. 2004. The 9/11 Commission report: final report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States. (Washington, D.C.): National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States, http://govinfo.library.unt.edu/911/report/911Report_Ch5.pdf. As detailed in the ideological and tactical manual General Guidelines of the Struggle of Al Jemā‘ah Al Islāmiyah (PUPJI), JI was separated into four mantiqi, or areas of operation. Hambali supervised the Singapore-Malaysia mantiqi until his arrest in 2003. Under his tutelage, the mantiqi adopted a wider anti-Western agenda similar to al-Qaeda. From 2000 to 2001, Hambali chaired a five-member body within JI, known as the Regional Advisory Council.Bruce Vaughn, Emma Chanlett-Avery et al, “Terrorism in Southeast Asia,” Congressional Research Service, October 16, 2009, http://fas.org/sgp/crs/terror/RL34194.pdf.

In June 1994, Hambali and his business partner Wali Khan Amin Shah established the Konsojaya trading company in Malaysia, which had a central role in terrorist activities. On December 1, a bomb exploded on board a Philippine Airlines jet traveling to Tokyo, killing a Japanese businessman and forcing the plane to land in Okinawa. Trial testimony revealed that Shah facilitated funding for the attack through Konsojaya. U.S. court records also later revealed that the December 1994 bombing was a preliminary step for a larger terrorist attack on multiple American airliners.Mark Fineman and Richard C. Paddock, “Indonesia Cleric Tied to ’95 Anti-U.S. Plot,” Los Angeles Times, February 7, 2020, https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-feb-07-mn-26735-story.html; Nancy Reckler, “MAN ARRESTED IN MALAYSIA CHARGED IN N.Y. WITH PLOT TO BOMB U.S. AIRLINERS,” Washington Post, December 14, 1995, https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1995/12/14/man-arrested-in-malaysia-charged-in-ny-with-plot-to-bomb-us-airliners/99131df9-3061-45c6-92fe-a518876a2acb/.

Malaysian and Philippine officials believe that Hambali’s Konsojaya trading company served as a financial conduit for the Bojinka plot, which was masterminded by Ramzi Yousef, the perpetrator of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, and KSM. The Bojinka plot involved bombing 12 passenger planes that were departing cities throughout Asia and bound for the west coast of the United States. The plan ultimately failed in January 1995, when Philippine police responded to an accidental fire at Yousef’s apartment in Manila. The attacks would have killed as many as 4,000 Americans in a 48-hour period, according to U.S. prosecutors. The planners used Konsojaya’s palm oil exporting business as a cover to move funds into the Philippines, where Yousef was preparing for attacks.Mark Fineman and Richard C. Paddock, “Indonesia Cleric Tied to ’95 Anti-U.S. Plot,” Los Angeles Times, February 7, 2020, https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-feb-07-mn-26735-story.html; Leslie Lopez and Jay Solomon, “Indonesian Cleric Becomes Focus of Terror Manhunt,” Wall Street Journal, February 1, 2002, https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB1012510692916145560. According to the 9/11 Commission Report, it is with this plot that KSM conceived of using aircraft as weapons.National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States, Thomas H. Kean, and Lee Hamilton. 2004. The 9/11 Commission report: final report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States. (Washington, D.C.): National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States, http://govinfo.library.unt.edu/911/report/911Report_Ch5.pdf.

In the late 1990s, Hambali met with KSM to arrange for JI members to attend al-Qaeda’s training camps in Afghanistan, according to the U.N. Security Council.“Jemaah Islamiyah,” United Nations Security Council, April 17, 2018,  https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries/entity/jemaah-islamiyah. Hambali continued to work closely with KSM as well as with bin Laden’s chief of operations, Mohammed Atef. According to the 9/11 Commission Report, Hambali became the key coordinator of JI’s relationship with al-Qaeda and facilitated the global terror network’s financial and logistical support of JI’s terrorist activities in Indonesia, which expanded to include plots against American targets.National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States, Thomas H. Kean, and Lee Hamilton. 2004. The 9/11 Commission report: final report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States. (Washington, D.C.): National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States, http://govinfo.library.unt.edu/911/report/911Report_Ch5.pdf. In addition to coordinating JI and al-Qaeda-linked terrorist activities in Southeast Asia, the U.S. Department of Defense’s Combatant Status Review Tribunal claimed Hambali was the leader of the Malaysia Mujahedin Movement, which sought to overthrow the Malaysian government.“The Guantánamo Docket: Hambali (Riduan Isamuddin): Combatant Status Review Tribunals Summaries,” New York Times, March 28, 2007 https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10019-hambali-riduan-isamuddin-/documents/5. Hambali also stands accused of establishing a foreign student organization in Pakistan called al Ghuraba, which served as a front for a JI recruitment cell, according to the government of Singapore.Ellen Nakashima, “11 Men With Suspected Ties to Al Qaeda Arrested in Southeast Asia,” Washington Post, December 19, 2003, https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2003/12/19/11-men-with-suspected-ties-to-al-qaeda-arrested-in-southeast-asia/1ef50520-f90e-4e97-975b-f05d973d2144/.

The 9/11 Commission alleged that between December 1999 and January 2000, at KSM’s direction, Hambali harbored and aided several al-Qaeda members who would go on to conduct attacks. These individuals included Tawfiq bin Attash, who helped bomb the USS Cole in October 2000, as well as future 9/11 hijackers Nawaf al Hazmi and Khalid al Mihdhar. In the late 2000s, Hambali also allegedly provided lodging and other assistance—including flight school information and help in acquiring ammonium nitrate—to Zacarias Moussaoui, convicted al-Qaeda member and would-be 20th hijacker in 9/11.National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States, Thomas H. Kean, and Lee Hamilton. 2004. The 9/11 Commission report: final report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States. (Washington, D.C.): National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States, http://govinfo.library.unt.edu/911/report/911Report_Ch5.pdf.

Hambali was also allegedly involved in several JI-linked terrorist incidents in Southeast Asia in 2000. On August 1, JI militants bombed the residence of the Philippine ambassador to Indonesia, leaving two people dead and the ambassador seriously injured. Another JI member told Philippine investigators that Hambali was involved.“Jemaah Islamiyah,” United Nations Security Council, April 17, 2018,  https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries/entity/jemaah-islamiyah;  “Nurjaman Riduan Isamuddin,” United Nations Security Council, March 28, 2011, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries/individual/nurjaman-riduan-isamuddin. On December 24, JI launched its first major terrorist operation, simultaneously bombing 28 churches in the Indonesian cities of Jakarta, Sumatra, and Java, killing 19 people and wounding more than 120 others. Indonesian police discovered documents implicating Hambali in the attack.David Gordon and Samuel Lindo, “Jemaah Islamiyah,” Center for Strategic & International Studies, November 2011, http://csis.org/files/publication/111101_Gordon_JemaahIslamiyah_WEB.pdf; “Statement by the Treasury Department Regarding Today’s Designation of Two Leaders of Jemaah Islamiyah,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, January 24, 2003, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/kd3796.aspx. The U.N. Security Council alleged that Hambali was also involved in planning a series of bombings in Manila, Philippines, which killed at least 22 people and injured more than 100 on December 30.“Nurjaman Riduan Isamuddin,” United Nations Security Council, March 28, 2011, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries/individual/nurjaman-riduan-isamuddin. And in December 2001, Singaporean authorities discovered a JI plot to attack Western diplomatic and commercial targets in the city-state. The U.S. Treasury Department later accused Hambali of directing the foiled plot.Chun Han Wong, “Singapore Detains Suspected Militants,” Wall Street Journal, October 12, 2012, https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10000872396390444799904578052054207677748; “Statement by the Treasury Department Regarding Today’s Designation of Two Leaders of Jemaah Islamiyah,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, January 24, 2003, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/kd3796.aspx.

Bin Lep and Bin Amin claimed that after the October 2001 bombing of al-Farouq camp in Afghanistan, Hambali recruited them and two other jihadists, known as Afifi and Masran, to take part in a martyrdom operation.“The Guantánamo Docket: Zubair (Mohd Farik Bin Amin): JTF-GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, September 23, 2008, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10021-zubair-mohd-farik-bin-amin-/documents/11; “The Guantánamo Docket: Lillie (Mohammed Nazir Bin Lep): JTF-GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, October 13, 2008, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10022-lillie-mohammed-nazir-bin-lep-/documents/11. According to U.S. charges, Hambali had chosen the four, Malaysian nationals who pledged allegiance to Osama bin Laden, to travel to the United States and launch a post-9/11 suicide bombing attack, likely in California.Carol Rosenberg, “U.S. charges Hambali at Guantánamo with Bali, Jakarta terrorist bombings,” Miami Herald, June 23, 2017, https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/guantanamo/article157887649.html; Carol Rosenberg, “Judge Postpones Guantánamo Court Appearances, Citing Pandemic,” New York Times, February 2, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/02/us/politics/guantanamo-coronavirus-hambali.html. The so-called “West Coast Airliner Plot” was devised by KSM as a “second wave” to follow the 9/11 attacks. Hambali and the other planners reportedly believed that the Malaysian jihadists would have an easier time entering the United States than Arabs in the wake of 9/11. However, the plot ultimately failed.Patrick Winn, “Osama bin Laden's Asian disciples,” The World, May 2, 2011, https://www.pri.org/stories/2011-05-02/osama-bin-ladens-asian-disciples.

In January 2002, Hambali reportedly convened a meeting of JI operatives in southern Thailand to discuss a new strategy of attacking “softer” targets, such as bars and nightclubs. The U.S. Defense Department alleges that Hambali facilitated the transfer of money to fund these types of attacks, was in contact with JI operatives who were suspected of fabricating explosives, and had knowledge of an imminent bombing.“Notification of Swearing of Charges in United States v. Encep Nurjaman,” U.S. Department of Defense, April 5, 2019, https://int.nyt.com/data/documenthelper/751-2019HambaliCharges/e58e1aaf3f8134ef2fa8/optimized/full.pdf. On October 12, 2002, in an attack attributed to JI, two bombs exploded at Paddy’s Irish Bar and the Sari Club on the Indonesian tourist island of Bali, killing 202 people and injuring 209 others.Bruce Vaughn, Emma Chanlett-Avery et al, “Terrorism in Southeast Asia,” Congressional Research Service, October 16, 2009, http://fas.org/sgp/crs/terror/RL34194.pdf; “The 12 October 2002 Bali bombing plot,” BBC News, October 11, 2012, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-19881138. Between December 2002 and January 2003, Hambali allegedly facilitated the receipt of approximately $99,900 in al-Qaeda funds for use in a JI operation and ordered Bin Lep and Bin Amin to store the money at their apartment in Bangkok. In the spring of 2003, Hambali directed Bin Lep and Bin Amin to deliver the money to Indonesia and the Philippines, according to the U.S. charge sheet.“Notification of Swearing of Charges in United States v. Encep Nurjaman,” U.S. Department of Defense, April 5, 2019, https://int.nyt.com/data/documenthelper/751-2019HambaliCharges/e58e1aaf3f8134ef2fa8/optimized/full.pdf. On August 5, 2003, JI operatives bombed the JW Marriott Hotel in Jakarta, killing 12 people and wounding 150 others. According to U.S. government documents, the perpetrators targeted the hotel believing there would be a large American presence.“Bali bombing: Guantánamo inmate Hambali charged over 2002 attack,” Guardian, June 23, 2017, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/jun/24/bali-bombing-guantanamo-inmate-hambali-charged-over-2002-attack. The United States alleges that Hambali “planned, aided and abetted in a course of conduct that resulted” in the 2002 Bali bombings, as well as the August 2003 JW Marriott Hotel bombing.“DOD Announces Charges Referred Against Guantanamo Detainees Encep Nurjaman, Mohammed Nazir Bin Lep, and Mohammed Farik Bin Amin,” U.S. Department of Defense, January 21, 2021, https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Advisories/Advisory/Article/2479146/dod-announces-charges-referred-against-guantanamo-detainees-encep-nurjaman-moha/.

Hambali was wanted by authorities in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia for suspected involvement in foiled plots and terrorist attacks.“Nurjaman Riduan Isamuddin,” United Nations Security Council, March 28, 2011, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries/individual/nurjaman-riduan-isamuddin. On August 14, 2003, a joint U.S.-Thai operation captured Hambali in Thailand along with two accomplices—Malaysian nationals Bin Lep and Bin Amin. The three suspects were transferred to Guantánamo in September 2006 after three years in C.I.A. custody.“The Guantánamo Docket: Hambali (Riduan Isamuddin): JTF-GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, October 30, 2008, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10019-hambali-riduan-isamuddin-/documents/11; Carol Rosenberg, “Judge Postpones Guantánamo Court Appearances, Citing Pandemic,” New York Times, February 2, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/02/us/politics/guantanamo-coronavirus-hambali.html.

In June 2017, a U.S. war court prosecutor officially charged Hambali with directing the 2002 Bali bombings and the 2003 attack on the JW Marriott Hotel in Jakarta. Hambali’s charges included “terrorism, murder in violation of the law of war, attempted murder, intentionally causing serious bodily injury, attack civilians and civilian objects and destruction of property, in violation of the law of war.” The charges also alleged that Hambali directed Bin Lep, Bin Amin, and two other Malaysian nationals to meet with Osama bin Laden in Kabul, Afghanistan, after the 9/11 attacks. Hambali had also allegedly selected four Malaysians to carry out a post-9/11 suicide bombing somewhere in the United States, possibly California.Carol Rosenberg, “U.S. charges Hambali at Guantánamo with Bali, Jakarta terrorist bombings,” Miami Herald, June 23, 2017, https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/guantanamo/article157887649.html.

The case of United States v. Encep Nurjaman (Hambali), Mohammed Nazir Bin Lep, and Mohammed Farik Bin Amin was finally approved for trial on January 21, 2021, when the U.S. Defense Department announced that the Convening Authority, Office of Military Commissions, referred charges to a military commission.“DOD Announces Charges Referred Against Guantanamo Detainees Encep Nurjaman, Mohammed Nazir Bin Lep, and Mohammed Farik Bin Amin,” U.S. Department of Defense, January 21, 2021, https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Advisories/Advisory/Article/2479146/dod-announces-charges-referred-against-guantanamo-detainees-encep-nurjaman-moha/. It was the first new case at Guantánamo Bay since 2014. Prosecutors are not permitted to seek the death penalty and it is possible for the suspects to negotiate toward a guilty plea and serve their sentences elsewhere.Carol Rosenberg, “Pentagon Official Approves Guantánamo Trial of 3 Men for Indonesia Bombings,” New York Times, January 21, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/21/us/politics/guantanamo-trial-indonesia-bombings.html.

On February 1, 2021, a military judge postponed the arraignment of Hambali and two of his accused accomplishes at Guantánamo. The three were scheduled to make their first court appearance after 17 years in detention on February 22, 2021. However, the judge said the risk to the health and safety of trial participants due to the COVID-19 pandemic was too high to proceed.“Nurjaman Riduan Isamuddin,” United Nations Security Council, March 28, 2011, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries/individual/nurjaman-riduan-isamuddin; Carol Rosenberg, “Judge Postpones Guantánamo Court Appearances, Citing Pandemic,” New York Times, February 2, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/02/us/politics/guantanamo-coronavirus-hambali.html. The three men are scheduled to be arraigned on August 30, 2021.“Military Commissions Media Invitation Announced for United States v. Encep Nurjaman; Mohammed Nazir Bin Lep; Mohammed Farik Bin Amin, Arraignment,” U.S. Department of Defense, June 28, 2021, https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Advisories/Advisory/Article/2673035/military-commissions-media-invitation-announced-for-united-states-v-encep-nurja/source/GovDelivery/; “Amended Arraignment Order,” U.S. Department of Defense Office of Military Commissions, April 16, 2021, https://www.mc.mil/Portals/0/pdfs/Nurjaman/Nurjaman%20(AE0002.008(TJ)(CorrectedCopy)).pdf.

Mohd Farik Bin Amin, also known as Zubair, is a Malaysian member of Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and operative of al-Qaeda. He is one of 17 high-value detainees at United States Naval Base Guantánamo Bay in Cuba. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, Bin Amin served as a lieutenant to JI operations chief Riduan Isamuddin, a.k.a. Hambali, and had pledged allegiance to al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.“The Guantánamo Docket: Zubair (Mohd Farik Bin Amin): JTF-GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, September 23, 2008, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10021-zubair-mohd-farik-bin-amin-/documents/11. Bin Amin allegedly aided the financing of terrorist attacks in Southeast Asia and trained to be a suicide operative in a foiled plot masterminded by al-Qaeda operative Khalid Sheikh Mohammed (KSM).“Notification of Swearing of Charges in United States v. Encep Nurjaman,” U.S. Department of Defense, April 5, 2019, https://int.nyt.com/data/documenthelper/751-2019HambaliCharges/e58e1aaf3f8134ef2fa8/optimized/full.pdf.

Born in Kajang, Malaysia in 1975, Bin Amin grew up in a Muslim family that he claimed was not particularly religious. He graduated from the Bukit Bintang Boys School near Kuala Lumpur in 1991, and subsequently attended the Polytechnic Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah (POLIMAS) school in Ditra, Kedah Province. In 1994, he graduated with a certificate in electronic telecommunications and, after working for an electronics factory, returned to POLIMAS in 1997 to receive a diploma in the same field. After struggling to find stable work, he returned to live with his family in Kajang. During this time, he reportedly traveled to attend lectures at different mosques.“The Guantánamo Docket: Zubair (Mohd Farik Bin Amin): JTF-GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, September 23, 2008, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10021-zubair-mohd-farik-bin-amin-/documents/11.

Bin Amin claimed that violence against Muslims in Malaysia and Indonesia in the late 1990s inspired him to pursue Islamic militant training.“The Guantánamo Docket: Zubair (Mohd Farik Bin Amin): JTF-GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, September 23, 2008, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10021-zubair-mohd-farik-bin-amin-/documents/11. In early 2000, Bin Amin was invited by a friend Mohammed Nazir Bin Lep, a.k.a. Lillie, to a mosque in Kuala Lumpur where Hambali was giving a lecture.“The Guantánamo Docket: Lillie (Mohammed Nazir Bin Lep): JTF-GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, October 13, 2008, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10022-lillie-mohammed-nazir-bin-lep-/documents/11. Bin Amin and Bin Lep had met previously while working at an architecture firm in the Malaysian capital.Patrick Winn, “Osama bin Laden's Asian disciples,” The World, May 2, 2011, https://www.pri.org/stories/2011-05-02/osama-bin-ladens-asian-disciples. According to Bin Amin, he also met someone named Abu Hassan at a Kuala Lumpur mosque and sought his assistance in receiving militant training.“The Guantánamo Docket: Zubair (Mohd Farik Bin Amin): JTF-GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, September 23, 2008, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10021-zubair-mohd-farik-bin-amin-/documents/11.

In June 2000, Bin Amin and Bin Lep arrived in Pakistan and traveled through to Kandahar, Afghanistan, where they stayed at the Hajji Habbash Guesthouse. From July to September 2000, both men trained at al-Qaeda’s al-Farouq camp.“The Guantánamo Docket: Lillie (Mohammed Nazir Bin Lep): JTF-GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, October 13, 2008, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10022-lillie-mohammed-nazir-bin-lep-/documents/11. Between October 2000 and December 2000, Bin Amin worked treating wounded fighters at an al-Qaeda medical clinic near Kandahar. He returned to al-Farouq sometime in or around February 2001, to receive advanced training in tactical movements, ambushes, land navigation, and guerrilla warfare. He also allegedly trained and assisted in the construction of buildings at another camp.“Notification of Swearing of Charges in United States v. Encep Nurjaman,” U.S. Department of Defense, April 5, 2019, https://int.nyt.com/data/documenthelper/751-2019HambaliCharges/e58e1aaf3f8134ef2fa8/optimized/full.pdf#page=1.

Following the October 2001 bombing of al-Farouq camp, Hambali allegedly recruited Bin Amin to take part in a martyrdom operation, along with three others, including Bin Lep and two other jihadists known as Afifi and Masran.“The Guantánamo Docket: Zubair (Mohd Farik Bin Amin): JTF-GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, September 23, 2008, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10021-zubair-mohd-farik-bin-amin-/documents/11; “The Guantánamo Docket: Lillie (Mohammed Nazir Bin Lep): JTF-GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, October 13, 2008, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10022-lillie-mohammed-nazir-bin-lep-/documents/11. According to U.S. charges, Hambali had chosen Bin Amin and the others, all Malaysian nationals who pledged allegiance to Osama bin Laden, to travel to the United States and launch a post-9/11 suicide bombing attack, likely in California.Carol Rosenberg, “U.S. charges Hambali at Guantánamo with Bali, Jakarta terrorist bombings,” Miami Herald, June 23, 2017, https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/guantanamo/article157887649.html; Carol Rosenberg, “Judge Postpones Guantánamo Court Appearances, Citing Pandemic,” New York Times, February 2, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/02/us/politics/guantanamo-coronavirus-hambali.html. The so-called “West Coast Airliner Plot” was devised by al-Qaeda operative KSM as a “second wave” to follow the 9/11 attacks. Hambali and the other planners believed that the Malaysian jihadists would have an easier time entering the United States than Arabs in the wake of 9/11.Patrick Winn, “Osama bin Laden's Asian disciples,” The World, May 2, 2011, https://www.pri.org/stories/2011-05-02/osama-bin-ladens-asian-disciples.

On January 20, 2002, Bin Amin, Bin Lep, and Afifi arrived in Hat Yai, Thailand, with Masran staying behind in Pakistan.“The Guantánamo Docket: Lillie (Mohammed Nazir Bin Lep): JTF-GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, October 13, 2008, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10022-lillie-mohammed-nazir-bin-lep-/documents/11. According to Bin Lep’s interrogation documents, the Malaysian cell was unable to continue with the “West Coast Airliner Plot” when Masran was prevented from traveling to Thailand and Afifi subsequently returned to Malaysia. Bin Amin and Bin Lep remained in Thailand, reportedly traveling from Hat Yai to Bangkok to stay with Hambali and his wife.“The Guantánamo Docket: Lillie (Mohammed Nazir Bin Lep): JTF-GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, October 13, 2008, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10022-lillie-mohammed-nazir-bin-lep-/documents/11. Later, Bin Amin and Bin Lep rented an apartment together in Bangkok that served as a base of operations.“Notification of Swearing of Charges in United States v. Encep Nurjaman,” U.S. Department of Defense, April 5, 2019, https://int.nyt.com/data/documenthelper/751-2019HambaliCharges/e58e1aaf3f8134ef2fa8/optimized/full.pdf. During his time in Thailand, Bin Amin cased western targets in the country as well as in Cambodia for future terrorist attacks, including the British Embassy in Phnom Penh. In 2002, Hambali also directed Bin Amin to case Israeli El Al flights from Don Muang airport in Bangkok and to purchase surface-to-air missiles. According to Bin Amin, he attempted to purchase a surface-to-air missile from a contact in Cambodia. However, the process proved to be too difficult and Bin Amin abandoned the purchase. He also cased the Israeli Embassy in Bangkok as a potential target.“The Guantánamo Docket: Zubair (Mohd Farik Bin Amin): JTF-GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, September 23, 2008, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10021-zubair-mohd-farik-bin-amin-/documents/11.

The U.S. Defense Department alleges that while based in Bangkok, Bin Amin aided Hambali in transferring money for operations, as well as obtained and stored items such as fraudulent identification documents, weapons, and bomb-making instructions. On at least three occasions between December 2002 and the spring of 2003, Bin Amin allegedly met with al-Qaeda financiers and received a total of at least $99,900, which he stored in the apartment he rented with Bin Lep.“Notification of Swearing of Charges in United States v. Encep Nurjaman,” U.S. Department of Defense, April 5, 2019, https://int.nyt.com/data/documenthelper/751-2019HambaliCharges/e58e1aaf3f8134ef2fa8/optimized/full.pdf. According to interrogation documents, Bin Amin personally couriered $50,000 of the money to Hambali, a portion of which was transferred to Indonesia to finance safe houses and procure materials for an impending JI attack. U.S. government documents claim Hambali told Bin Amin and Bin Lep that the money being transferred to Indonesia was to be used in an upcoming operation.“The Guantánamo Docket: Zubair (Mohd Farik Bin Amin): Combatant Status Review Tribunals Summaries,” New York Times, March 8, 2007, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10021-zubair-mohd-farik-bin-amin-/documents/5; “Notification of Swearing of Charges in United States v. Encep Nurjaman,” U.S. Department of Defense, April 5, 2019, https://int.nyt.com/data/documenthelper/751-2019HambaliCharges/e58e1aaf3f8134ef2fa8/optimized/full.pdf. On August 5, 2003, JI operatives attacked the JW Marriott Hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia, killing 12 people and wounding 150 others.“Bali bombing: Guantánamo inmate Hambali charged over 2002 attack,” Guardian, June 23, 2017, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/jun/24/bali-bombing-guantanamo-inmate-hambali-charged-over-2002-attack.

In August 2003, a joint U.S.-Thai operation captured Bin Amin outside of a bookstore in Thailand. Hambali and Bin Lep were also detained around the same time. In September 2006, the three suspects were transferred to Guantánamo after three years in C.I.A. custody.Carol Rosenberg, “U.S. charges Hambali at Guantánamo with Bali, Jakarta terrorist bombings,” Miami Herald, June 23, 2017, https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/guantanamo/article157887649.html; “The Guantánamo Docket: Zubair (Mohd Farik Bin Amin): JTF-GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, September 23, 2008, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10021-zubair-mohd-farik-bin-amin-/documents/11. While in U.S. custody, Bin Amin confessed that he had knowledge of explosives and bomb-making and had considered the use of chemicals for poison.“The Guantánamo Docket: Zubair (Mohd Farik Bin Amin): Combatant Status Review Tribunals Summaries,” New York Times, March 8, 2007, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10021-zubair-mohd-farik-bin-amin-/documents/5.

In November 2016, the Obama administration entered into talks with the Malaysian government regarding Malaysian detainees at Guantánamo. Both sides discussed potentially repatriating Bin Amin if he pleaded guilty to terrorism offenses, agreed to testify against Bin Lep and Hambali, and spent four more years in U.S. custody. However, the deal did not proceed.“US and Malaysia discussing deal to repatriate Malaysian detainee from Guantanamo,” Straits Times, November 13, 2016, https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/us-and-malaysia-discussing-deal-to-repatriate-malaysian-detainee-from-guantanamo.

The case of United States v. Encep Nurjaman (Hambali), Mohammed Nazir Bin Lep, and Mohammed Farik Bin Amin was finally approved for trial on January 21, 2021, when the U.S. Defense Department announced that the Convening Authority, Office of Military Commissions, referred charges to a military commission.“DOD Announces Charges Referred Against Guantanamo Detainees Encep Nurjaman, Mohammed Nazir Bin Lep, and Mohammed Farik Bin Amin,” U.S. Department of Defense, January 21, 2021, https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Advisories/Advisory/Article/2479146/dod-announces-charges-referred-against-guantanamo-detainees-encep-nurjaman-moha/. It was the first new case at Guantánamo Bay since 2014. Prosecutors are not permitted to seek the death penalty and it is possible for the suspects to negotiate toward a guilty plea and serve their sentences elsewhere.Carol Rosenberg, “Pentagon Official Approves Guantánamo Trial of 3 Men for Indonesia Bombings,” New York Times, January 21, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/21/us/politics/guantanamo-trial-indonesia-bombings.html.

On February 1, 2021, a military judge postponed the arraignment of Bin Amin and two co-defendants at Guantánamo. Bin Amin was scheduled to make his first court appearance after 17 years in detention on February 22, 2021. However, the judge said the risk to the health and safety of trial participants due to the COVID-19 pandemic was too high to proceed.“Nurjaman Riduan Isamuddin,” United Nations Security Council, March 28, 2011, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries/individual/nurjaman-riduan-isamuddin; Carol Rosenberg, “Judge Postpones Guantánamo Court Appearances, Citing Pandemic,” New York Times, February 2, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/02/us/politics/guantanamo-coronavirus-hambali.html. The three men are scheduled to be arraigned on August 30, 2021.“Military Commissions Media Invitation Announced for United States v. Encep Nurjaman; Mohammed Nazir Bin Lep; Mohammed Farik Bin Amin, Arraignment,” U.S. Department of Defense, June 28, 2021, https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Advisories/Advisory/Article/2673035/military-commissions-media-invitation-announced-for-united-states-v-encep-nurja/source/GovDelivery/; “Amended Arraignment Order,” U.S. Department of Defense Office of Military Commissions, April 16, 2021, https://www.mc.mil/Portals/0/pdfs/Nurjaman/Nurjaman%20(AE0002.008(TJ)(CorrectedCopy)).pdf.

Following a one-day delay due to translation problems, the trial of Bin Amin and Bin Lep began on August 31, 2021. It was the first new prosecution in the military commissions system since 2014. Prosecutors charged the two Malaysian prisoners with war crimes as part of a conspiracy that led to the 2002 Bali Bombings. The charge sheet did not accuse Bin Amin and Bin Lep of directly carrying out the attack but described them as associates of Hambali who trained in al-Qaeda camps in Afghanistan, conducted surveillance of U.S., Israeli, and tourist targets in Southeast Asia, and aided Hambali in evading capture. The two Malaysians were also charged with hiding $50,000 in their Bangkok apartment that had been sent to them by KSM.Carol Rosenberg, “Three Guantánamo Detainees Charged in 2002 Bali Bombing,” New York Times, August 31, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/31/us/politics/guantanamo-bali-bombing.html; Associated Press, "Bali bombings case begins at Guantánamo, with Indonesian and two Malaysians on trial for murder,” Guardian (London), August 31, 2021, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/aug/31/bali-bombings-case-begins-at-guantanamo-with-indonesian-and-two-malaysians-on-trial-for.

On January 16, 2024, Bin Amin and Bin Lep pleaded guilty to conspiring in the October 2002 Bali bombings. As part of a plea deal, the two agreed to testify against Hambali in a trial set to occur in 2025. Prosecutors agreed to drop charges of terrorism, attacking civilians and civilian objects, and attempted murder. The two could face 20 to 25 years in prison as part of the plea bargain.Carol Rosenberg, “Malaysian Prisoners Plead Guilty to Conspiring in 2002 Bali Bombing,” New York Times, January 16, 2024, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/16/us/politics/bali-bombing-case.html; “Malaysians at Guantanamo agree to imprisonment of 20-25 years under plea deal,” New Straits Times, January 18, 2024, https://www.nst.com.my/news/crime-courts/2024/01/1003109/malaysians-guantanamo-agree-imprisonment-20-25-years-under-plea. On January 26, 2024, a jury of five U.S. military officers sentenced the two prisoners to 23 years in prison. Unbeknownst to the jury, in the summer 2023, a senior Department of Defense official and the two Malaysian co-defendants reached a secret pretrial agreement that allowed for a reduced sentence. Separately, the judge further reduced Bin Amin’s sentence by 311 days because prosecutors missed court deadlines for releasing evidence to defense lawyers during preparation for their case. As a result, the prisoners could be released by 2029.Carol Rosenberg, “Bali Bombing Conspirators Get 5 More Years at Guantánamo Bay,” New York Times, January 26, 2014, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/26/us/politics/bali-bombing-sentence.html; Aisyah Llewellyn, “Two Malaysian Men Sentenced to 23 Years Prison For Bali Bombing,” The Diplomat, January 29, 2024, https://thediplomat.com/2024/01/two-malaysian-men-sentenced-to-23-years-prison-for-bali-bombing.

Mohammed Nazir Bin Lep, also known as Lillie, is a Malaysian member of Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and operative of al-Qaeda. He is one of 17 high-value detainees at U.S. Naval Base Guantánamo Bay in Cuba. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, Bin Lep served as a lieutenant to JI operations chief Riduan Isamuddin, a.k.a. Hambali, and had pledged allegiance to al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.“The Guantánamo Docket: Lillie (Mohammed Nazir Bin Lep): JTF-GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, October 13, 2008, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10022-lillie-mohammed-nazir-bin-lep-/documents/11. Bin Lep allegedly aided the financing of terrorist attacks in Southeast Asia and trained to be a suicide operative in a foiled plot masterminded by al-Qaeda operative Khalid Sheikh Mohammed (KSM).“Notification of Swearing of Charges in United States v. Encep Nurjaman,” U.S. Department of Defense, April 5, 2019, https://int.nyt.com/data/documenthelper/751-2019HambaliCharges/e58e1aaf3f8134ef2fa8/optimized/full.pdf.

Born in Muar, Malaysia, in 1976, by his own account Bin Lep began reading books on the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan at age 18 and became interested in jihad and martyrdom. He graduated from secondary school in 1995, then attended Nuedzen Technical School near his home. In 1997, Bin Lep earned a diploma in architecture and went on to work for architecture firms in Kuala Lumpur for over a year. He then returned to his home in Muar and joined the Malaysian military, where he received firearms training and served for one-and-a-half years.“The Guantánamo Docket: Lillie (Mohammed Nazir Bin Lep): JTF-GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, October 13, 2008, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10022-lillie-mohammed-nazir-bin-lep-/documents/11.

In early 2000, while still in the military, Bin Lep and his friend Mohd Farik Bin Amin, a.k.a. Zubair, attended a lecture by JI operations head Hambali at a mosque in Kuala Lumpur.“The Guantánamo Docket: Lillie (Mohammed Nazir Bin Lep): JTF-GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, October 13, 2008, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10022-lillie-mohammed-nazir-bin-lep-/documents/11. The lecture inspired Bin Lep and Bin Amin to fight abroad, and the two sought support from Hambali, who suggested the men travel to Afghanistan for training. On June 26, 2000, Bin Lep and Bin Amin arrived in Karachi, Pakistan, then traveled through Quetta before arriving in Kandahar, Afghanistan, where they stayed at the Hajji Habash Guesthouse. From July to September 2000, they both allegedly trained at al-Qaeda’s al-Farouq camp.“The Guantánamo Docket: Lillie (Mohammed Nazir Bin Lep): JTF-GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, October 13, 2008, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10022-lillie-mohammed-nazir-bin-lep-/documents/11.

After completing his training, Bin Lep claimed that he was stationed in Kabul, where he guarded Taliban positions and received basic training on using surface-to-air missiles. He also confessed to have continued to receive al-Qaeda military training, including urban warfare and the use of rocket-propelled grenades.“The Guantánamo Docket: Lillie (Mohammed Nazir Bin Lep): JTF-GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, October 13, 2008, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10022-lillie-mohammed-nazir-bin-lep-/documents/11; “Notification of Swearing of Charges in United States v. Encep Nurjaman,” U.S. Department of Defense, April 5, 2019, https://int.nyt.com/data/documenthelper/751-2019HambaliCharges/e58e1aaf3f8134ef2fa8/optimized/full.pdf#page=1. After six months, his unit transferred to the front lines near Bagram, where Bin Lep was injured by a Russian mine. He spent about a month recovering at the Hajji Habash Guesthouse. Bin Lep then returned to al-Farouq camp and was given a job as a weapons storekeeper, which he held until shortly after the September 11, 2001, attacks in the United States.“The Guantánamo Docket: Lillie (Mohammed Nazir Bin Lep): JTF-GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, October 13, 2008, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10022-lillie-mohammed-nazir-bin-lep-/documents/11.

Following the October 2001 bombing of al-Farouq camp, Hambali allegedly recruited Bin Lep to take part in a martyrdom operation along with three others, including Bin Amin and two other jihadists known as Afifi and Masran.“The Guantánamo Docket: Lillie (Mohammed Nazir Bin Lep): JTF-GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, October 13, 2008, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10022-lillie-mohammed-nazir-bin-lep-/documents/11. According to U.S. charges, Hambali had chosen Bin Lep and the others, all Malaysian nationals who pledged allegiance to Osama bin Laden, to travel to the United States and launch a post-9/11 suicide bombing attack, likely in California.Carol Rosenberg, “U.S. charges Hambali at Guantánamo with Bali, Jakarta terrorist bombings,” Miami Herald, June 23, 2017, https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/guantanamo/article157887649.html; Carol Rosenberg, “Judge Postpones Guantánamo Court Appearances, Citing Pandemic,” New York Times, February 2, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/02/us/politics/guantanamo-coronavirus-hambali.html. The so-called “West Coast Airliner Plot” was devised by al-Qaeda operative KSM as a “second wave” to follow the 9/11 attacks. Hambali and the other planners believed that the Malaysian jihadists would have an easier time entering the United States than Arabs in the wake of 9/11.Patrick Winn, “Osama bin Laden's Asian disciples,” The World, May 2, 2011, https://www.pri.org/stories/2011-05-02/osama-bin-ladens-asian-disciples.

On January 20, 2002, Bin Lep, Bin Amin, and Afifi arrived in Hat Yai, Thailand, with Masran staying behind in Pakistan. According to Bin Lep’s interrogation documents, the Malaysian cell was unable to continue with the “West Coast Airliner Plot” when Masran was prevented from traveling to Thailand and Afifi subsequently returned to Malaysia. Bin Lep and Bin Amin remained in Thailand, reportedly traveling from Hat Yai to Bangkok to stay with Hambali and his wife.“The Guantánamo Docket: Lillie (Mohammed Nazir Bin Lep): JTF-GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, October 13, 2008, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10022-lillie-mohammed-nazir-bin-lep-/documents/11. Later, Bin Lep and Bin Amin rented an apartment together in Bangkok that served as a base of operations.“Notification of Swearing of Charges in United States v. Encep Nurjaman,” U.S. Department of Defense, April 5, 2019, https://int.nyt.com/data/documenthelper/751-2019HambaliCharges/e58e1aaf3f8134ef2fa8/optimized/full.pdf. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, Bin Lep cased flights at Don Muang Airport in Bangkok for suicide attacks against Israeli citizens and foreign embassies, in particular the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.“The Guantánamo Docket: Lillie (Mohammed Nazir Bin Lep): JTF-GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, October 13, 2008, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10022-lillie-mohammed-nazir-bin-lep-/documents/11. Bin Lep also attended flight school under an assumed identity. In 2003, Bin Lep unsuccessfully attempted to enlist in the Royal Thai Air Force using a fraudulent identification card.Patrick Winn, “Osama bin Laden's Asian disciples,” The World, May 2, 2011, https://www.pri.org/stories/2011-05-02/osama-bin-ladens-asian-disciples.

The U.S. Defense Department alleges that during his time in Bangkok, Bin Lep aided Hambali in transferring money for operations as well as obtained and stored items such as fraudulent identification documents, weapons, and bomb-making instructions. The Defense Department’s charge sheet details how these activities directly led to at least two JI-attributed terrorist attacks. In mid-2002, Bin Lep received cash from an operative in Bangkok and gave the money to Hambali, who is suspected of using the funds to finance an imminent JI attack. Then on October 12, 2002, two bombs exploded at Paddy’s Irish Bar and the Sari Club on the Indonesian tourist island of Bali, killing 202 people and injuring 209 others. In the second incident in spring of 2003, Bin Lep arranged to deliver money stored at the apartment he shared with Bin Amin in Bangkok, to Indonesia and the Philippines. Hambali reportedly told Bin Lep and Bin Amin that the money being transferred to Indonesia was to be used in an upcoming operation. On August 5, 2003, JI operatives attacked the JW Marriott Hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia, killing 12 people and wounding 150 others.“Notification of Swearing of Charges in United States v. Encep Nurjaman,” U.S. Department of Defense, April 5, 2019, https://int.nyt.com/data/documenthelper/751-2019HambaliCharges/e58e1aaf3f8134ef2fa8/optimized/full.pdf; “Bali bombing: Guantánamo inmate Hambali charged over 2002 attack,” Guardian, June 23, 2017, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/jun/24/bali-bombing-guantanamo-inmate-hambali-charged-over-2002-attack.

According to Bin Lep’s interrogation documents, he and Hambali rented an apartment in the city of Ayutthaya, Thailand sometime in August 2003. On August 18, Bin Lep was detained while traveling to Bangkok.“The Guantánamo Docket: Lillie (Mohammed Nazir Bin Lep): JTF-GTMO Assessment,” New York Times, October 13, 2008, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/guantanamo/detainees/10022-lillie-mohammed-nazir-bin-lep-/documents/11. Bin Amin and Hambali were captured around the same time. The arrests were part of a joint U.S.-Thai intelligence operation. The three suspects were transferred to Guantánamo in 2006 after three years in C.I.A. custody.Carol Rosenberg, “U.S. charges Hambali at Guantánamo with Bali, Jakarta terrorist bombings,” Miami Herald, June 23, 2017, https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/guantanamo/article157887649.html; Carol Rosenberg, “Judge Postpones Guantánamo Court Appearances, Citing Pandemic,” New York Times, February 2, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/02/us/politics/guantanamo-coronavirus-hambali.html.

According to his interrogation reports, Bin Lep expressed an obsession with attacking the U.S. Embassy in Malaysia. He also stated he dreamed of fathering many children in order to bring them into jihad and build an army, with hopes that one of them would aspire to be as strong as bin Laden.Patrick Winn, “Osama bin Laden's Asian disciples,” The World, May 2, 2011, https://www.pri.org/stories/2011-05-02/osama-bin-ladens-asian-disciples.

In November 2016, the Obama administration entered into talks with the Malaysian government regarding Malaysian detainees at Guantánamo. Both sides discussed potentially repatriating Bin Amin if he pleaded guilty to terrorism offenses, agreed to testify against Bin Lep and Hambali, and spent four more years in U.S. custody. Bin Lep was not given the same offer.“US and Malaysia discussing deal to repatriate Malaysian detainee from Guantanamo,” Straits Times, November 13, 2016, https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/us-and-malaysia-discussing-deal-to-repatriate-malaysian-detainee-from-guantanamo.

The case of United States v. Encep Nurjaman (Hambali), Mohammed Nazir Bin Lep, and Mohammed Farik Bin Amin was finally approved for trial on January 21, 2021, when the U.S. Department of Defense announced that the Convening Authority, Office of Military Commissions, referred charges to a military commission.“DOD Announces Charges Referred Against Guantanamo Detainees Encep Nurjaman, Mohammed Nazir Bin Lep, and Mohammed Farik Bin Amin,” U.S. Department of Defense, January 21, 2021, https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Advisories/Advisory/Article/2479146/dod-announces-charges-referred-against-guantanamo-detainees-encep-nurjaman-moha/. It was the first new case at Guantánamo Bay since 2014. Prosecutors are not permitted to seek the death penalty and it is possible for the suspects to negotiate toward a guilty plea and serve their sentences elsewhere.Carol Rosenberg, “Pentagon Official Approves Guantánamo Trial of 3 Men for Indonesia Bombings,” New York Times, January 21, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/21/us/politics/guantanamo-trial-indonesia-bombings.html.

On February 1, 2021, a military judge indefinitely postponed the arraignment of Bin Lep and two co-defendants at Guantánamo. Bin Lep was scheduled to make his first court appearance after 17 years in detention on February 22, 2021. However, the judge said the risk to the health and safety of trial participants due to the COVID-19 pandemic was too high to proceed.“Nurjaman Riduan Isamuddin,” United Nations Security Council, March 28, 2011, https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/sanctions/1267/aq_sanctions_list/summaries/individual/nurjaman-riduan-isamuddin; Carol Rosenberg, “Judge Postpones Guantánamo Court Appearances, Citing Pandemic,” New York Times, February 2, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/02/us/politics/guantanamo-coronavirus-hambali.html. The three men are scheduled to be arraigned on August 30, 2021.“Military Commissions Media Invitation Announced for United States v. Encep Nurjaman; Mohammed Nazir Bin Lep; Mohammed Farik Bin Amin, Arraignment,” U.S. Department of Defense, June 28, 2021, https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Advisories/Advisory/Article/2673035/military-commissions-media-invitation-announced-for-united-states-v-encep-nurja/source/GovDelivery/; “Amended Arraignment Order,” U.S. Department of Defense Office of Military Commissions, April 16, 2021, https://www.mc.mil/Portals/0/pdfs/Nurjaman/Nurjaman%20(AE0002.008(TJ)(CorrectedCopy)).pdf.

Following a one-day delay due to translation problems, the trial of Bin Lep and Bin Amin began on August 31, 2021. It was the first new prosecution in the military commissions system since 2014. Prosecutors charged the two Malaysian prisoners with war crimes as part of a conspiracy that led to the 2002 Bali Bombings. The charge sheet did not accuse Bin Lep and Bin Amin of directly carrying out the attack but described them as associates of Hambali who trained in al-Qaeda camps in Afghanistan; conducted surveillance of U.S., Israeli, and tourist targets in Southeast Asia; and aided Hambali in evading capture. The two Malaysians were also charged with hiding $50,000 in their Bangkok apartment that had been sent to them by KSM. Carol Rosenberg, “Three Guantánamo Detainees Charged in 2002 Bali Bombing,” New York Times, August 31, 2021, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/31/us/politics/guantanamo-bali-bombing.html; Associated Press, "Bali bombings case begins at Guantánamo, with Indonesian and two Malaysians on trial for murder,” Guardian (London), August 31, 2021, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/aug/31/bali-bombings-case-begins-at-guantanamo-with-indonesian-and-two-malaysians-on-trial-for.

On January 16, 2024, Bin Lep and Bin Amin pleaded guilty to conspiring in the October 2002 Bali bombings. As part of a plea deal, the two agreed to testify against Hambali in a trial set to occur in 2025. Prosecutors agreed to drop charges of terrorism, attacking civilians and civilian objects, and attempted murder. The two could face 20 to 25 years in prison as part of the plea bargain.Carol Rosenberg, “Malaysian Prisoners Plead Guilty to Conspiring in 2002 Bali Bombing,” New York Times, January 16, 2024, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/16/us/politics/bali-bombing-case.html; “Malaysians at Guantanamo agree to imprisonment of 20-25 years under plea deal,” New Straits Times, January 18, 2024, https://www.nst.com.my/news/crime-courts/2024/01/1003109/malaysians-guantanamo-agree-imprisonment-20-25-years-under-plea. On January 26, 2024, a jury of five U.S. military officers sentenced the two prisoners to 23 years in prison. Unbeknownst to the jury, in the summer of 2023, a senior Department of Defense official and the two Malaysian co-defendants reached a secret pretrial agreement that allowed for a reduced sentence. Separately, the judge further reduced Bin Lep’s sentence by 379 days because prosecutors missed court deadlines for releasing evidence to defense lawyers during preparation for their case. As a result, the prisoners could be released by 2029.Carol Rosenberg, “Bali Bombing Conspirators Get 5 More Years at Guantánamo Bay,” New York Times, January 26, 2014, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/26/us/politics/bali-bombing-sentence.html; Aisyah Llewellyn, “Two Malaysian Men Sentenced to 23 Years Prison For Bali Bombing,” The Diplomat, January 29, 2024, https://thediplomat.com/2024/01/two-malaysian-men-sentenced-to-23-years-prison-for-bali-bombing.

Cholo Abdi Abdullah is a Kenyan operative for al-Shabaab who allegedly plotted a September 11-style attack on a building in an American city.Benjamin Weiser, “Kenyan Planned 9/11-Style Attack After Training as Pilot, U.S. Says,” New York Times, December 16, 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/16/nyregion/cholo-abdi-abdullah-shabab-indictment.html. Abdullah is currently on trial in the U.S. where he is charged with six counts of terrorism-related offenses. If found guilty of his crimes, Abdullah will face a maximum sentence of life in prison.“Kenyan National Indicted for Conspiring to Hijack Aircraft on Behalf of the Al Qaeda-Affiliated Terrorist Organization Al Shabaab,” U.S. Department of Justice, December 16, 2020, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/kenyan-national-indicted-conspiring-hijack-aircraft-behalf-al-qaeda-affiliated-terrorist; “Al-Shabaab member charged with planning 9/11-style attack on US,” Agence France Press, December 16, 2020, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/16/cholo-abdi-abdullah-al-shabaab-charges-9-11-style-attack.

Abdullah has allegedly been affiliated with al-Qaeda since 2012. Abdullah reportedly relocated to the Philippines in 2016, eventually settling in Iba, Zambales province at some point in 2017.Corinne Ramey, “Kenyan Man Charged With Plotting Sept. 11-Style Attack ,” Wall Street Journal, December 16, 2020, https://www.wsj.com/articles/kenyan-man-charged-with-plotting-sept-11-style-attack-11608142077; “Suspected Al Qaeda member nabbed in Zambales,” CNN, July 2, 2019, https://cnnphilippines.com/regional/2019/7/2/al-qaeda-zambales-cholo-abdi-abdullah-.html?fbclid=IwAR17L2BkBL26s_0RLpcJbN9xsTqCkrptg8e9xiW5kpXlHrzisLR5p8XpDpY. On July 2, 2019, Abdullah was arrested by the Philippine National Police (PNP) at a hotel in Iba. He was arrested by the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) under the suspicion of membership in a terrorist organization following an investigation launched by undisclosed foreign authorities.“Suspected Al Qaeda member nabbed in Zambales,” CNN, July 2, 2019, https://cnnphilippines.com/regional/2019/7/2/al-qaeda-zambales-cholo-abdi-abdullah-.html?fbclid=IwAR17L2BkBL26s_0RLpcJbN9xsTqCkrptg8e9xiW5kpXlHrzisLR5p8XpDpY.

At the time of his arrest, Abdullah was enrolled at the All Asia Aviation Academy in Pasay, where he had been studying since 2017.“Suspected Al Qaeda member nabbed in Zambales,” CNN, July 2, 2019, https://cnnphilippines.com/regional/2019/7/2/al-qaeda-zambales-cholo-abdi-abdullah-.html?fbclid=IwAR17L2BkBL26s_0RLpcJbN9xsTqCkrptg8e9xiW5kpXlHrzisLR5p8XpDpY. While in the Philippines, Abdullah allegedly had been studying “different aviation threats, aircraft hijacking, and falsifying travel documents.” Upon searching his room, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the PNP recovered a firearm, hand grenades, and bomb making components.Ellie Aben, “Kenyan linked to Al-Shabaab arrested in Philippines,” Arab News, July 3, 2019, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1519656/world.

Prior to Abdullah’s arrest, he had made preparations in the Philippines to hijack an airplane and crash in into a building somewhere in the United States. According to reports, Abdullah was acting under the direction of a senior al-Shabaab commander who allegedly planned the January 2019 attack on a hotel in Nairobi, Kenya which killed over 21 people.Benjamin Weiser, “Kenyan Planned 9/11-Style Attack After Training as Pilot, U.S. Says,” New York Times, December 16, 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/16/nyregion/cholo-abdi-abdullah-shabab-indictment.html; “Kenyan National Indicted for Conspiring to Hijack Aircraft on Behalf of the Al Qaeda-Affiliated Terrorist Organization Al Shabaab,” U.S. Department of Justice, December 16, 2020, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/kenyan-national-indicted-conspiring-hijack-aircraft-behalf-al-qaeda-affiliated-terrorist. Abdullah’s terror plot was reportedly one of al-Shabaab’s responses—under “Operation Jerusalem Will Never be Judaized”—to the United States’ decision to move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.“Kenyan National Indicted For Conspiring To Hijack Aircraft On Behalf Of The Al Qaeda-Affiliated Terrorist Organization Al Shabaab,” U.S. Department of Justice, December 16, 2020, https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/kenyan-national-indicted-conspiring-hijack-aircraft-behalf-al-qaeda-affiliated.

On December 15, 2020, Abdullah was transferred from the Philippines to the custody of U.S. law enforcement. A day later, Abdullah appeared at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, where he was charged with providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, conspiring to murder U.S. nationals, conspiring to commit aircraft piracy, and other terror related crimes.Corinne Ramey, “Kenyan Man Charged With Plotting Sept. 11-Style Attack ,” Wall Street Journal, December 16, 2020, https://www.wsj.com/articles/kenyan-man-charged-with-plotting-sept-11-style-attack-11608142077. Abdullah pleaded not guilty to all charges.“Al-Shabaab member charged with planning 9/11-style attack on US,” Agence France Press, December 16, 2020, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/16/cholo-abdi-abdullah-al-shabaab-charges-9-11-style-attack.

Abdullah faces a minimum sentence of 20 years in prison, with a maximum sentence of life in prison.“Kenyan National Indicted for Conspiring to Hijack Aircraft on Behalf of the Al Qaeda-Affiliated Terrorist Organization Al Shabaab,” U.S. Department of Justice, December 16, 2020, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/kenyan-national-indicted-conspiring-hijack-aircraft-behalf-al-qaeda-affiliated-terrorist.

Adel Abdel Bary is an Egyptian national who was al-Qaeda’s Europe-based propagandist in the 1990s. Additionally, he was the co-conspirator of two bombing attacks on the U.S. Embassies in Nairobi and Dar Es Salaam in August 1998. The attacks killed at least 200 people and injured thousands of others.“East African Embassy Bombings,” Federal Bureau of Investigation, https://www.fbi.gov/history/famous-cases/east-african-embassy-bombings; Fiona Hamilton, “Adel Abdel Bary: Bin Laden’s spokesman flies to Britain,” Times, December 12, 2020, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/adel-abdel-bary-uk-flight-hc0jtwcmg. Bary is also the father of Abdel-Majed Abdel Bary, a former rapper turned ISIS operative who the Spanish police later called “one of the most sought terrorists in Europe.”Rich Calder, “Dad of ‘John the Beatle’ suspect admits Osama terror plot,” New York Post, September 19, 2014, https://nypost.com/2014/09/19/dad-of-john-the-beatle-admits-to-98-embassy-bomb-plot-with-osama/.; Aritz Parra and Serge Cartwright, “Spain arrests ex-rapper as Islamic State fighter in Syria,” Associated Press, April 21, 2020, https://apnews.com/article/1567204d3e8a7bbcaaadb0021c3b68d5.

From 1982 until 1991, Bary allegedly served multiple stints in Egyptian prisons following the murder of President Anwar Sadat in 1981. Although Bary was repeatedly arrested, imprisoned, and released, media sources primarily detail his arrest in 1982 in which Egyptian authorities arrested Bary for sheltering Muntaser al-Zayyat, a critic of the Mubarak regime who had come into power after the assassination of Sadat.David J. Bier, “Profiles of Every Terrorism Vetting Failure in the Last 30 Years,” CATO Institute, April 17, 2018, https://www.cato.org/blog/profiles-every-terrorism-vetting-failure-last-30-years. Sometime during those sentences—where he was allegedly tortured by Egyptian authorities—Bary obtained a university degree and began working as a human rights lawyer. From 1987 until 1991, Bary represented clients who opposed the Mubarak regime, and allegedly became radicalized himself during this period.David J. Bier, “Profiles of Every Terrorism Vetting Failure in the Last 30 Years,” CATO Institute, April 17, 2018, https://www.cato.org/blog/profiles-every-terrorism-vetting-failure-last-30-years. Bary applied for political asylum in Britain in 1991 and shortly left Egypt afterwards.Martin Gould, “Father of Jihadi John suspect ‘was one of Bin Laden’s closest lieutenants’: Dad of Brit rapper accused of beheading James Foley is locked up in the US accused of helping to blow up two American embassies killing 224,” Daily Mail, August 24, 2014, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2733558/Father-Jihadi-John-one-Bin-Ladens-closest-lieutenants-currently-trial-US-embassy-bombings-killed-224-people.html.

In 1994, while living in London, Bary allegedly took over the business affairs for the Egyptian Islamic Jihad (EIJ), an al-Qaeda-affiliated Islamist organization dedicated to the overthrow of the Egyptian government. Although reports do not detail the extent of Bary’s activities in the EIJ, in 1995, an Egyptian court sentenced Bary to death in absentia for a plot to blow up a market in Cairo’s bazaar district.Martin Gould, “Father of Jihadi John suspect ‘was one of Bin Laden’s closest lieutenants’: Dad of Brit rapper accused of beheading James Foley is locked up in the US accused of helping to blow up two American embassies killing 224,” Daily Mail, August 24, 2014, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2733558/Father-Jihadi-John-one-Bin-Ladens-closest-lieutenants-currently-trial-US-embassy-bombings-killed-224-people.html. Ayman al-Zawahiri later appointed Bary as the head of EIJ’s London Branch in 1996. From 1996 until 1999, Bary reportedly served as communication coordinator for the London cell of al-Qaeda, where he distributed messages from Osama bin Laden and Zawahiri to the media while also organizing press interviews for the two jihadist leaders.David J. Bier, “Profiles of Every Terrorism Vetting Failure in the Last 30 Years,” CATO Institute, April 17, 2018, https://www.cato.org/blog/profiles-every-terrorism-vetting-failure-last-30-years.

Bary’s London office, which was considered bin Laden’s “media information office,” was critical in facilitating military and security communication between various al-Qaeda cells—particularly Africa—and al-Qaeda’s headquarters. The communications included topics ranging from the recruitment of military trainees, the disbursement of funds, and the procurement of equipment.Martin Gould, “Father of Jihadi John suspect ‘was one of Bin Laden’s closest lieutenants’: Dad of Brit rapper accused of beheading James Foley is locked up in the US accused of helping to blow up two American embassies killing 224,” Daily Mail, August 24, 2014, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2733558/Father-Jihadi-John-one-Bin-Ladens-closest-lieutenants-currently-trial-US-embassy-bombings-killed-224-people.html.

On August 7, 1998, al-Qaeda operatives launched simultaneous suicide bombings at the U.S. Embassies in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and Nairobi, Kenya. The attacks killed 258 people and wounded more than 5,000.“Osama Bin Laden: A Chronology of His Political Life,” PBS Frontline, accessed March 15, 2015, http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/binladen/etc/cron.html. Although there was no evidence that Bary assisted in the bombing themselves—he was in London at the time—he was an active participant as he communicated frequently with al-Qaeda leadership and operatives and was aware that these high casualty attacks were being planned.“United States of America v. Adel Abdel Bary,” UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK, January 10, 2015, https://www.cato.org/sites/cato.org/files/wp-content/uploads/baryadelgovtsentencing.pdf.

On July 12, 1999, Scotland Yard authorities arrested Bary on charges of conspiring with bin Laden and his terrorist network to kill Americans.“Two Arrested in U.S. Embassy Bombings,” Associated Press, July 12, 1999, https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/inatl/longterm/eafricabombing/eafricabombing.htm. After an ongoing legal battle between the U.S. and the U.K. governments, thirteen years later, on October 6, 2012, Bary was extradited to the United States from the United Kingdom. On September 19, 2014, he admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York to conspiring with bin Laden in the 1998 embassy bombings.Rich Calder, “Dad of ‘John the Beatle’ suspect admits Osama terror plot,” New York Post, September 19, 2014, https://nypost.com/2014/09/19/dad-of-john-the-beatle-admits-to-98-embassy-bomb-plot-with-osama/. Bary was sentenced to 25 years in prison on charges of working on behalf of al-Qaeda and the EIJ on February 6, 2015.“International Terrorism Defendant Sentenced in Manhattan to 25 Years in Prison,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 6, 2015, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/international-terrorism-defendant-sentenced-manhattan-25-years-prison.

On December 11, 2020, Bary was released early from a U.S. prison and was deported to the United Kingdom. Bary, who is overweight and asthmatic, was considered high risk of contracting COVID-19. Upon his return to the U.K., M15 and counterterrorism police will review his return and resettlement.Fiona Hamilton, “Adel Abdel Bary: Bin Laden’s spokesman flies to Britain,” Times, December 12, 2020, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/adel-abdel-bary-uk-flight-hc0jtwcmg. In January 2021, it was reported that Bary was living in the Maida Vale neighborhood of London with his family in a house costing £1 million. Despite his early release for poor health, he has been reportedly seen walking around the area and “looked to be in good health.”“Former Al-Qaeda spokesman living in £1m house in London: Report,” Arab News, January 11, 2021, https://www.arabnews.com/node/1790826/world.