Zarein Ahmedzay is a convicted Islamist extremist, foreign fighter, and attempted domestic terrorist. Between 2008 and 2009, he and two friends—Najibullah Zazi and Adis Medunjanin—traveled to Pakistan and received weapons training at an al-Qaeda terrorist camp there. The three men then returned to the United States and plotted to carry out a coordinated suicide bomb attack on the New York City subway system.Mosi Secret, “Prison for Father Who Lied About Terror Plot,” New York Times, February 10, 2012, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/11/nyregion/mohammed-wali-zazi-sentenced-for-lying-about-subway-bomb-plot.html; “Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us. Ahmedzay was arrested in January 2010 and charged with conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction, conspiracy to commit murder in a foreign country, and providing material support to al-Qaeda. He was sentenced on December 14, 2018 to 10 years in prison.“Al-Qaeda Operative Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Role in International Terrorism Plot that Targeted the United States and Europe,” Department of Justice, November 24, 2015, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/al-qaeda-operative-sentenced-40-years-prison-role-international-terrorism-plot-targeted; Mikey Light and Larry McShane, “Would-be NYC subway bomber turned "extraordinary" cooperating witness takes step toward freedom,” Daily News, December 14, 2018, https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/ny-metro-subway-bomber-sentencing-20181214-story.html; “Zarein Ahmedzay Pleads Guilty to Terror Violations in Connection with Al-Qaeda New York Subway Plot,” U.S. Department of Justice, April 23, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/zarein-ahmedzay-pleads-guilty-terror-violations-connection-al-qaeda-new-york-subway-plot; William K. Rashbaum, “After Months of Scrutiny in Zazi Terrorism Case, Two Arrests Came as a Surprise,” New York Times, January 8, 2010, https://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/09/nyregion/09zazi.html.

Ahmedzay, Zazi, and Medunjanin were friends and former high school classmates. They reportedly frequented the same mosque in Queens and shared an iPod to listen to radical lectures.Susan Candiotti, “Two New Yorkers questioned in Zazi investigation, attorneys say,” CNN, October 9, 2009, http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/10/09/us.terror.probe/; Mosi Secret, “In Terrorists’ Testimony, a Rare, Intimate Look Into a Secretive World,” New York Times, April 29, 2012, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/30/nyregion/testimony-of-4-admitted-terrorists-gives-a-rare-view-of-al-qaeda.html. After dropping out from Queens College in New York City, Ahmedzay worked as a cab driver in and took the civil service test in 2007 to become a New York City firefighter. He passed the exam, but was listed far down on the waiting list.William K. Rashbaum and David Johnston, “Officials Focus on New Suspects in Terror Case,” New York Times, October 9, 2009, https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/10/nyregion/10terror.html; Janon Fisher, “Qaeda rant of bomb zombie,” New York Post, April 24, 2010, https://nypost.com/2010/04/24/qaeda-rant-of-bomb-zombie/.

On August 28, 2008, Ahmedzay, Zazi, and Medunjanin traveled from Newark, New Jersey, to Peshawar, Pakistan. They initially intended to fight against the U.S. military alongside the Taliban in Afghanistan, but Ahmedzay and Medunjanin were turned away at the Afghan border. Instead, al-Qaeda recruited the three men who then traveled to the Waziristan region of Pakistan to receive military-style weapons. Ahmedzay and Zazi had planned to receive additional explosives training a month later, but Ahmedzay decided against the opportunity and Zazi attended training alone. In Waziristan, they met with al-Qaeda leaders Saleh al-Somali, then-head of al-Qaeda external operations, and Rashid Rauf, a high-ranking al-Qaeda operative, who suggested that the three return to New York and carry out suicide bomb attacks in the United States. They also discussed potential target locations, such as the New York City subway system, Grand Central Terminal in Midtown Manhattan, the New York Stock Exchange, Times Square, and movie theaters.“Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us; “Al Qaeda Operative Convicted by Jury in One of the Most Serious Terrorist Plots Against America since 9/11,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 1, 2012, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/al-qaeda-operative-convicted-jury-one-most-serious-terrorist-plots-against-america-911; “The United States of America vs. Adis Medunjanin et al. – Superseding Indictment,” U.S. Department of Justice, January 11, 2012, https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nyed.299843.157.0.pdf; “Zarein Ahmedzay Pleads Guilty to Terror Violations in Connection with Al-Qaeda New York Subway Plot,” U.S. Department of Justice, April 23, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/zarein-ahmedzay-pleads-guilty-terror-violations-connection-al-qaeda-new-york-subway-plot.

After agreeing to carry out the suicide bombing operations, Ahmedzay traveled back to Newark, New Jersey, on January 22, 2009.“The United States of America vs. Adis Medunjanin et al. – Superseding Indictment,” U.S. Department of Justice, January 11, 2012, https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nyed.299843.157.0.pdf; “Al Qaeda Operative Convicted by Jury in One of the Most Serious Terrorist Plots Against America since 9/11,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 1, 2012, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/al-qaeda-operative-convicted-jury-one-most-serious-terrorist-plots-against-america-911. According to Ahmedzay’s testimony in court, his role in the plot was to provide details on possible target locations in New York City, given his knowledge of the city as a cab driver.Janon Fisher, “Qaeda rant of bomb zombie,” New York Post, April 24, 2010, https://nypost.com/2010/04/24/qaeda-rant-of-bomb-zombie/. Zazi was responsible for assembling the bombs due to his additional explosives training in Pakistan, while Medunjanin’s radical Islamist beliefs helped to inspire the group to participate in jihad.“Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us. Mosi Secret, “Man Convicted of a Terrorist Plot to Bomb Subways Is Sent to Prison for Life,” New York Times, November 16, 2012, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/17/nyregion/adis-medunjanin-convicted-of-subway-bomb-plot-gets-life-sentence.html.

Between June and September 2009, co-conspirator Zazi—then living in Denver, Colorado—conducted extensive research, purchased items needed to manufacture triacetone triperoxide (TATP), and constructed the explosives for the detonator components of the bombs.“Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us; “New York Terror Case – Indictment Announced,” Federal Bureau of Investigation, September 24, 2009, https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/news/stories/2009/september/zazi_092409. According to court documents, Ahmedzay had initial reservations about the suicide bombing, but proceeded with the plan nonetheless.“Zarein Ahmedzay Pleads Guilty to Terror Violations in Connection with Al-Qaeda New York Subway Plot,” U.S. Department of Justice, April 23, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/zarein-ahmedzay-pleads-guilty-terror-violations-connection-al-qaeda-new-york-subway-plot.

On September 8, Zazi rented a car and drove from Denver to New York City, bringing the bomb-making materials with him. Zazi connected with Ahmedzay and Medunjanin there, where they planned to assemble the remaining components of the bombs and carry out an attack on the Manhattan subway lines a few days later. However, the three men aborted their plan and discarded their explosives after realizing that U.S. law enforcement was investigating their activities.“Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us. Zazi flew back to Colorado and was arrested on September 19.“Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us; “The United States of America vs. Najibullah Zazi – Government’s Proffer And Memorandum Of Law In Support Of Motion For Detention,” U.S. Department of Justice, September 24, 2009, https://www.justice.gov/archive/usao/co/news/2009/September09/Zazi_Detention_Motion.pdf.

Ahmedzay pled guilty to several terrorism charges in April 2010, and was sentenced in December 2018 to 10 years in prison. He is reportedly working as a cooperating witness for the U.S. government.“Al-Qaeda Operative Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Role in International Terrorism Plot that Targeted the United States and Europe,” Department of Justice, November 24, 2015, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/al-qaeda-operative-sentenced-40-years-prison-role-international-terrorism-plot-targeted; Mikey Light and Larry McShane, “Would-be NYC subway bomber turned "extraordinary" cooperating witness takes step toward freedom,” Daily News, December 14, 2018, https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/ny-metro-subway-bomber-sentencing-20181214-story.html; “Zarein Ahmedzay Pleads Guilty to Terror Violations in Connection with Al-Qaeda New York Subway Plot,” U.S. Department of Justice, April 23, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/zarein-ahmedzay-pleads-guilty-terror-violations-connection-al-qaeda-new-york-subway-plot.

Co-conspirators Zazi and Medunjanin were also apprehended. In February 2010, Zazi pled guilty to conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction against persons or property in the United States, conspiracy to commit murder in a foreign country, and providing material support to a terrorist organization. On May 2, 2019, Zazi was sentenced to 10 years in prison.Jonathan Dienst, “Man who plotted to blow up NYC subway may soon walk free,” NBC News, May 2, 2019, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/man-who-plotted-blow-nyc-subway-may-soon-walk-free-n1001101. However, like Ahmedzay, was reportedly working for the U.S. government as a cooperating witness.Trevor Aaronson, “The Cooperators: Terrorism Defendants With Concrete Ties to Violent Extremists Leverage Their Connections to Avoid Prison,” The Intercept, April 20, 2017, https://theintercept.com/2017/04/20/terrorism-defendants-with-concrete-ties-to-violent-extremists-leverage-their-connections-to-avoid-prison/; “United States v. Zazi (1:09-cr-00663),” Court Listener, accessed April 17, 2019, https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4320003/parties/united-states-v-zazi/. As a result, in September 2019, due to Zazi’s cooperation with U.S. investigators, a federal judge said he would not serve any additional prison time and he was soon released.Erica Orden, “Najibullah Zazi, who plotted to bomb the new York Subway, gets a second chance,” CNN, September 28, 2019, https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/01/us/najibullah-zazi-new-york-subway-bomb-plot-sentencing/index.html. In November 2012, Medunjanin, was sentenced to life in prison for multiple terrorism offenses, including his role in plotting to carry out a coordinated suicide bombing attack on the New York City subway system. He pled not guilty and denied any involvement throughout his trial.Mosi Secret, “Man Convicted of a Terrorist Plot to Bomb Subways Is Sent to Prison for Life,” New York Times, November 16, 2012, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/17/nyregion/adis-medunjanin-convicted-of-subway-bomb-plot-gets-life-sentence.html.

Najibullah Zazi is a convicted Islamist extremist, foreign terrorist fighter, and attempted domestic terrorist. Between 2008 and 2009, he and two friends—Adis Medunjanin and Zarein Ahmedzay—traveled to Pakistan and received weapons training in an al-Qaeda training camp there. The three men then returned to the United States and plotted to carry out a coordinated suicide attack on the New York City subway system. Zazi was responsible for gathering bomb-making materials and assembling the explosives.Mosi Secret, “Prison for Father Who Lied About Terror Plot,” New York Times, February 10, 2012, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/11/nyregion/mohammed-wali-zazi-sentenced-for-lying-about-subway-bomb-plot.html; “Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us. On February 22, 2010, he pled guilty to conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction against persons or property in the United States, conspiracy to commit murder in a foreign country, and providing material support to a terrorist organization.“Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us.

Zazi was born in Afghanistan and moved to Pakistan with his family at the age of 7. In 1999, he and his family immigrated to the United States and settled in Flushing, a neighborhood in New York City, where he attended high school but did not graduate.“The United States of America vs. Najibullah Zazi – Government’s Proffer And Memorandum Of Law In Support Of Motion For Detention,” U.S. Department of Justice, September 24, 2009, https://www.justice.gov/archive/usao/co/news/2009/September09/Zazi_Detention_Motion.pdf; “United States of America vs. Najibullah Zazi – Transcript of Criminal Cause for Pleading,” United States District Court, Eastern District of New York, February 22, 2010, https://www.cbsnews.com/htdocs/pdf/USvZazi.pdf; Al Baker, “Reasons Unclear for Terrorist Fears,” New York Times, September 17, 2009, https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/18/nyregion/18terror.html?pagewanted=all. In 2006, Zazi returned to Pakistan and married a woman from Peshawar. He traveled between the United States and Pakistan, where he would visit his wife and children for several weeks each year up until his arrest in 2009.“The United States of America vs. Najibullah Zazi – Government’s Proffer And Memorandum Of Law In Support Of Motion For Detention,” U.S. Department of Justice, September 24, 2009, https://www.justice.gov/archive/usao/co/news/2009/September09/Zazi_Detention_Motion.pdf; David Johnston and Al Baker, “Denver Man Admits to a Possible Al Qaeda Connection, Officials Say,” New York Times, September 18, 2009, https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/19/nyregion/19terror.html; Al Baker, “Reasons Unclear for Terrorist Fears,” New York Times, September 17, 2009, https://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/18/nyregion/18terror.html?pagewanted=all.

On August 28, 2008, Zazi, Medunjanin, and Ahmedzay traveled from Newark, New Jersey, to Peshawar, Pakistan. Although they initially intended to fight against the U.S. military alongside the Taliban in Afghanistan, the three men were recruited by al-Qaeda shortly after arriving in Peshawar.“Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us; “The United States of America vs. Najibullah Zazi – Government’s Proffer And Memorandum Of Law In Support Of Motion For Detention,” U.S. Department of Justice, September 24, 2009, https://www.justice.gov/archive/usao/co/news/2009/September09/Zazi_Detention_Motion.pdf; Mosi Secret, “Prison for Father Who Lied About Terror Plot,” New York Times, February 10, 2012, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/11/nyregion/mohammed-wali-zazi-sentenced-for-lying-about-subway-bomb-plot.html. They met with al-Qaeda leaders Saleh al-Somali, then-head of al-Qaeda external operations, and Rashid Rauf, a high-ranking al-Qaeda operative, who suggested they return to New York and carry out suicide attacks in the United States.“Al Qaeda Operative Convicted by Jury in One of the Most Serious Terrorist Plots Against America since 9/11,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 1, 2012, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/al-qaeda-operative-convicted-jury-one-most-serious-terrorist-plots-against-america-911. According to Zazi’s testimony, the three agreed to do so and subsequently received weapons training in the Waziristan region of Pakistan. Zazi received additional explosives training and took detailed notes for his planned suicide bombing mission. He also discussed potential target locations with al-Qaeda leaders, including the New York City subway system, and provided them with money and computers before he left Pakistan.“Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us.

On January 15, 2009, Zazi returned to the United States and moved to Aurora, Colorado, where he stayed with family members.“Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us; “The United States of America vs. Najibullah Zazi – Government’s Proffer And Memorandum Of Law In Support Of Motion For Detention,” U.S. Department of Justice, September 24, 2009, https://www.justice.gov/archive/usao/co/news/2009/September09/Zazi_Detention_Motion.pdf. In June, he started to review his bomb-making notes and conducted more research on where to procure the necessary components.“Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us; “New York Terror Case – Indictment Announced,” Federal Bureau of Investigation, September 24, 2009, https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/news/stories/2009/september/zazi_092409. Zazi reportedly communicated with al-Qaeda leaders—including Adnan El-Shukrijumah and Saleh al-Somali—about the plot through a Pakistani-based facilitator identified only as “Ahmad,” with whom Zazi exchanged emails.“Al-Qaeda Operative Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Role in International Terrorism Plot that Targeted the United States and Europe,” Department of Justice, November 24, 2015, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/al-qaeda-operative-sentenced-40-years-prison-role-international-terrorism-plot-targeted. Zazi purchased the items needed to manufacture triacetone triperoxide (TATP) that summer, and constructed the explosives for the detonator components of the bombs.“Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us; “New York Terror Case – Indictment Announced,” Federal Bureau of Investigation, September 24, 2009, https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/news/stories/2009/september/zazi_092409.

On September 8, Zazi rented a car and drove from Denver to New York City, bringing the bomb-making materials with him. Zazi connected with Medunjanin and Ahmedzay there, where they planned to assemble the remaining components of the bombs and carry out an attack on the Manhattan subway lines a few days later. However, the three men aborted their plan and discarded their explosives after realizing that U.S. law enforcement was investigating Zazi’s activities.“Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us. Zazi flew back to Denver a few days later and was arrested on September 19.“Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us; “The United States of America vs. Najibullah Zazi – Government’s Proffer And Memorandum Of Law In Support Of Motion For Detention,” U.S. Department of Justice, September 24, 2009, https://www.justice.gov/archive/usao/co/news/2009/September09/Zazi_Detention_Motion.pdf. When law enforcement searched his computer, they found bomb-making instructions and Internet searches for hydrochloric acid—an ingredient for TATP. Previously, the FBI intercepted e-mail and cell phone messages where Zazi had asked for information about bomb-making ingredients.“New York Terror Case – Indictment Announced,” Federal Bureau of Investigation, September 24, 2009, https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/news/stories/2009/september/zazi_092409.

Zazi pled guilty in February 2010 to conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction against persons or property in the United States, conspiracy to commit murder in a foreign country, and providing material support to a terrorist organization. He faced a maximum statutory sentence of life in prison for the first two counts of the superseding information and an additional 15 years in prison for the third count.“Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us. On May 2, 2019, Zazi was sentenced to 10 years in prison.Jonathan Dienst, “Man who plotted to blow up NYC subway may soon walk free,” NBC News, May 2, 2019, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/man-who-plotted-blow-nyc-subway-may-soon-walk-free-n1001101. However, he was reportedly working for the U.S. government as a cooperating witness for the last 10 years.Trevor Aaronson, “The Cooperators: Terrorism Defendants With Concrete Ties to Violent Extremists Leverage Their Connections to Avoid Prison,” The Intercept, April 20, 2017, https://theintercept.com/2017/04/20/terrorism-defendants-with-concrete-ties-to-violent-extremists-leverage-their-connections-to-avoid-prison/; “United States v. Zazi (1:09-cr-00663),” Court Listener, accessed April 17, 2019, https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4320003/parties/united-states-v-zazi/. As a result, in September 2019, due to Zazi’s cooperation with U.S. investigators, a federal judge said he would not serve any additional prison time and he was soon released.Erica Orden, “Najibullah Zazi, who plotted to bomb the new York Subway, gets a second chance,” CNN, September 28, 2019, https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/01/us/najibullah-zazi-new-york-subway-bomb-plot-sentencing/index.html.

Co-conspirators Ahmedzay and Medunjanin were also apprehended. Ahmedzay pled guilty in April 2010, and was sentenced to 10 years in prison in December 2018. Like Zazi, he is also working as a cooperating witness for the U.S. government.“Al-Qaeda Operative Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Role in International Terrorism Plot that Targeted the United States and Europe,” Department of Justice, November 24, 2015, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/al-qaeda-operative-sentenced-40-years-prison-role-international-terrorism-plot-targeted; Mikey Light and Larry McShane, “Would-be NYC subway bomber turned "extraordinary" cooperating witness takes step toward freedom,” Daily News, December 14, 2018, https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/ny-metro-subway-bomber-sentencing-20181214-story.html. In November 2012, Medunjanin was sentenced to life in prison for multiple terrorism offenses, including his role in plotting to carry out a coordinated suicide attack on the New York City subways. He pled not guilty and denied any involvement throughout his trial.Mosi Secret, “Man Convicted of a Terrorist Plot to Bomb Subways Is Sent to Prison for Life,” New York Times, November 16, 2012, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/17/nyregion/adis-medunjanin-convicted-of-subway-bomb-plot-gets-life-sentence.html.

Zazi’s cousin, Amanullah Zazi, also pled guilty in 2010 to facilitating Zazi, Medunjanin, and Ahmedzay’s participation in an al-Qaeda training camp in Pakistan. He also admitted that he had later helped to destroy evidence of Zazi’s bomb-making activities in Denver.“Filed under seal: United States vs. John Doe,” U.S. Department of Justice, January 7, 2010, https://www.investigativeproject.org/documents/case_docs/2085.pdf; “Father of Would-Be Suicide Bomber Convicted of Obstructing Terrorism Investigation,” U.S. Department of Justice, July 22, 2011, https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/newyork/press-releases/2011/father-of-would-be-suicide-bomber-convicted-of-obstructing-terrorism-investigation. In February 2012, Zazi’s father, Mohammed Wali Zazi, was sentenced to four and a half years in prison for impeding an investigation and obstructing justice.Mosi Secret, “Prison for Father Who Lied About Terror Plot,” New York Times, February 10, 2012, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/11/nyregion/mohammed-wali-zazi-sentenced-for-lying-about-subway-bomb-plot.html; “Father of Would-Be Suicide Bomber Convicted of Obstructing Terrorism Investigation,” U.S. Department of Justice, July 22, 2011, https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/newyork/press-releases/2011/father-of-would-be-suicide-bomber-convicted-of-obstructing-terrorism-investigation.

Adis Medunjanin is a convicted Islamist extremist, foreign terrorist fighter, and attempted domestic terrorist. Between 2008 and 2009, he and two friends—Najibullah Zazi and Zarein Ahmedzay—traveled to Pakistan and received weapons training in an al-Qaeda training camp there. The three men returned to the United States and plotted to carry out a coordinated suicide bomb attack on the New York City subway system.Mosi Secret, “Prison for Father Who Lied About Terror Plot,” New York Times, February 10, 2012, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/11/nyregion/mohammed-wali-zazi-sentenced-for-lying-about-subway-bomb-plot.html; “Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us. According to a report in the New York Times, Medunjanin was considered the “heart and soul” of the plot, as his radical Islamist beliefs helped to inspire the group to participate in jihad.Mosi Secret, “Man Convicted of a Terrorist Plot to Bomb Subways Is Sent to Prison for Life,” New York Times, November 16, 2012, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/17/nyregion/adis-medunjanin-convicted-of-subway-bomb-plot-gets-life-sentence.html. Although he denied any involvement in the plot, on November 16, 2012, Medunjanin was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison for multiple terrorism offenses.Mosi Secret, “Man Convicted of a Terrorist Plot to Bomb Subways Is Sent to Prison for Life,” New York Times, November 16, 2012, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/17/nyregion/adis-medunjanin-convicted-of-subway-bomb-plot-gets-life-sentence.html.

Medunjanin was born in Bosnia and moved with his family to the United States in 1994. He lived in Queens, New York, and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2002.Susan Candiotti, “Two New Yorkers questioned in Zazi investigation, attorneys say,” CNN, October 9, 2009, http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/10/09/us.terror.probe/. Medunjanin graduated from Queens College in June 2009 with a degree in economics. According to two students from the Queens College Muslim Student Association, Medunjanin was a quiet, humble, and respected student. He was very religious and highly regarded for his knowledge of Islam. Medunjanin used the association’s group prayer room approximately two or three times per week.William K. Rashbaum and David Johnston, “Officials Focus on New Suspects in Terror Case,” New York Times, October 9, 2009, https://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/10/nyregion/10terror.html. He later worked as a part-time building superintendent in Queens.Samantha Stainburn, “Adis Medunjanin, Bosnian immigrant, gets life in prison for subway bomb plot,” Public Radio International, November 16, 2012, https://www.pri.org/stories/2012-11-16/adis-medunjanin-bosnian-immigrant-gets-life-prison-subway-bomb-plot; Chad Bray, “U.S. Links Failed Subway Bombing to Similar Plot in U.K.,” Wall Street Journal, July 7, 2010, https://blogs.wsj.com/metropolis/2010/07/07/charges-coming-against-al-quaeda-leader-in-subway-bomb-plot/. The three conspirators—Medunjanin, Zazi, and Ahmedzay—were friends and former high school classmates and reportedly frequented the same mosque in Queens.Susan Candiotti, “Two New Yorkers questioned in Zazi investigation, attorneys say,” CNN, October 9, 2009, http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/10/09/us.terror.probe/.

On August 28, 2008, Medunjanin, Zazi, and Ahmedzay traveled from Newark, New Jersey, to Peshawar, Pakistan. They initially intended to fight against the U.S. military alongside the Taliban in Afghanistan, but Medunjanin and Ahmedzay were turned away at the Afghan border. Instead, al-Qaeda recruited the three men who then traveled to the Waziristan region of Pakistan to receive military-style weapons training. There, they met with al-Qaeda leaders Saleh al-Somali, then-head of al-Qaeda external operations, and Rashid Rauf, a high-ranking al-Qaeda operative, who suggested that the three return to New York and conduct suicide bomb attacks in the United States. They also discussed potential target locations, such as the New York City subway system, Grand Central Terminal in Midtown Manhattan, the New York Stock Exchange, Times Square, and movie theaters.“Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us; “Al Qaeda Operative Convicted by Jury in One of the Most Serious Terrorist Plots Against America since 9/11,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 1, 2012, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/al-qaeda-operative-convicted-jury-one-most-serious-terrorist-plots-against-america-911; “The United States of America vs. Adis Medunjanin et al. – Superseding Indictment,” U.S. Department of Justice, January 11, 2012, https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nyed.299843.157.0.pdf.

After agreeing to carry out the “martyrdom” operation, Medunjanin traveled back to Newark, New Jersey, on September 25, 2008.“The United States of America vs. Adis Medunjanin et al. – Superseding Indictment,” U.S. Department of Justice, January 11, 2012, https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nyed.299843.157.0.pdf; “Al Qaeda Operative Convicted by Jury in One of the Most Serious Terrorist Plots Against America since 9/11,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 1, 2012, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/al-qaeda-operative-convicted-jury-one-most-serious-terrorist-plots-against-america-911. According to a report in the New York Times, Medunjanin was considered the “heart and soul” of the New York City subway plot, as his radical Islamist beliefs helped to inspire the group to participate in jihad. However, Zazi, who returned to the United States in January 2009 after receiving additional explosives training in Pakistan, took the leading role and was responsible for assembling the bombs.“Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us. Mosi Secret, “Man Convicted of a Terrorist Plot to Bomb Subways Is Sent to Prison for Life,” New York Times, November 16, 2012, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/17/nyregion/adis-medunjanin-convicted-of-subway-bomb-plot-gets-life-sentence.html. Between June and September 2009, co-conspirator Zazi—then living in Denver, Colorado—conducted extensive research, purchased items needed to manufacture triacetone triperoxide (TATP), and constructed the explosives for the detonator components of the bombs.“Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us; “New York Terror Case – Indictment Announced,” Federal Bureau of Investigation, September 24, 2009, https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/news/stories/2009/september/zazi_092409.

On September 8, Zazi rented a car and drove from Denver to New York City, bringing the bomb-making materials with him. Zazi connected with Medunjanin and Ahmedzay there, where they planned to assemble the remaining components of the bombs and carry out an attack on the Manhattan subway lines a few days later. However, the three men aborted their plan and discarded their explosives after realizing that U.S. law enforcement was investigating Zazi’s activities.“Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us. On September 14, the FBI searched Medunjanin’s apartment in the Whitestone neighborhood of Queens, New York. According to his attorney, he was not the primary target of the investigation at that time and fully cooperated with the authorities.“The United States of America vs. Adis Medunjanin et al. – Affidavit,” U.S. Department of Justice, April 11, 2011, https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nyed.299843.127.0.pdf; Susan Candiotti, “Two New Yorkers questioned in Zazi investigation, attorneys say,” CNN, October 9, 2009, http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/10/09/us.terror.probe/. Zazi, however, flew back to Colorado and was arrested on September 19.“Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us; “The United States of America vs. Najibullah Zazi – Government’s Proffer And Memorandum Of Law In Support Of Motion For Detention,” U.S. Department of Justice, September 24, 2009, https://www.justice.gov/archive/usao/co/news/2009/September09/Zazi_Detention_Motion.pdf.

On January 7, 2010, law enforcement conducted another search on Medunjanin’s apartment. Shortly thereafter, Medunjanin attempted to carry out another suicide terrorist attack by driving his car and crashing it into another vehicle at high speed on the Whitestone Expressway in Queens. Moments before the impact, he called emergency services at 9-1-1, identified himself, and shouted “We love death more than you love your life.”“Al Qaeda Operative Convicted by Jury in One of the Most Serious Terrorist Plots Against America since 9/11,” U.S. Department of Justice, May 1, 2012, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/al-qaeda-operative-convicted-jury-one-most-serious-terrorist-plots-against-america-911. “The United States of America vs. Adis Medunjanin et al. – Superseding Indictment,” U.S. Department of Justice, January 11, 2012, https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nyed.299843.157.0.pdf; “Al-Qaeda Operative Sentenced to Life in Prison in One of the Most Serious Terrorist Plots Against the United States since 9/11,” U.S. Department of Justice, November 16, 2012, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/al-qaeda-operative-sentenced-life-prison-one-most-serious-terrorist-plots-against-united; Susan Candiotti, “Two New Yorkers questioned in Zazi investigation, attorneys say,” CNN, October 9, 2009, http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/10/09/us.terror.probe/. However, Medunjanin failed in the attempted suicide vehicular attack and subsequently fled the scene by foot. Later that day, Medunjanin was arrested for leaving the scene of the car accident, but the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) ultimately charged him with more serious crimes.“The United States of America vs. Adis Medunjanin et al. – Affidavit,” U.S. Department of Justice, April 11, 2011, https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nyed.299843.127.0.pdf; Michael Daly, “Adis Medunjanin goes from Flushing High School student to suspected terrorist,” Daily News, January 9, 2010, https://www.nydailynews.com/news/adis-medunjanin-flushing-high-school-student-suspected-terrorist-article-1.458403.

On November 16, 2012, Medunjanin was sentenced to life in prison for multiple terrorism offenses, including his role in plotting to carry out a coordinated suicide bomb attack on the New York City subway system. He pled not guilty and denied any involvement throughout his trial. During his sentencing hearing, Medunjanin spent several minutes singing verses from the Quran. He also recited what he perceived as atrocities of American foreign policies, namely the abuse of prisoners at Abu Ghraib, the use of waterboarding, and the killing of innocent civilians during the Iraq War. Reiterating his innocence, he concluded his statement by asking Allah to release him from prison.Mosi Secret, “Man Convicted of a Terrorist Plot to Bomb Subways Is Sent to Prison for Life,” New York Times, November 16, 2012, https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/17/nyregion/adis-medunjanin-convicted-of-subway-bomb-plot-gets-life-sentence.html.

Co-conspirators Zazi and Ahmedzay were also apprehended. On February 22, 2010, Zazi pled guilty to conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction against persons or property in the United States, conspiracy to commit murder in a foreign country, and providing material support to a terrorist organization. He currently awaits his sentencing and reportedly works for the U.S. government as a cooperating witness.Trevor Aaronson, “The Cooperators: Terrorism Defendants With Concrete Ties to Violent Extremists Leverage Their Connections to Avoid Prison,” The Intercept, April 20, 2017, https://theintercept.com/2017/04/20/terrorism-defendants-with-concrete-ties-to-violent-extremists-leverage-their-connections-to-avoid-prison/; “United States v. Zazi (1:09-cr-00663),” Court Listener, accessed April 17, 2019, https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/4320003/parties/united-states-v-zazi/; “Najibullah Zazi Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Use Explosives Against Persons or Property in U.S., Conspiracy to Murder Abroad and Providing Material Support to Al-Qaeda,” U.S. Department of Justice, February 22, 2010, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/najibullah-zazi-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-use-explosives-against-persons-or-property-us. Ahmedzay pled guilty in April 2010, and was sentenced to 10 years in prison in December 2018. Like Zazi, he is also working as a cooperating witness for the U.S. government.“Al-Qaeda Operative Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Role in International Terrorism Plot that Targeted the United States and Europe,” Department of Justice, November 24, 2015, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/al-qaeda-operative-sentenced-40-years-prison-role-international-terrorism-plot-targeted; Mikey Light and Larry McShane, “Would-be NYC subway bomber turned "extraordinary" cooperating witness takes step toward freedom,” Daily News, December 14, 2018, https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/nyc-crime/ny-metro-subway-bomber-sentencing-20181214-story.html.

Sharmeena Begum was reportedly the first British schoolgirl to join ISIS. Then-15-year-old Begum left her home in Bethnal Green, London, England, in December 2014 for ISIS-held territory via Turkey.Emine Sinmaz and Sue Reid, “She loved Rihanna, clothes and make-up... then fell under the spell of Islamists: Meet the FIRST British schoolgirl who fled to join ISIS,” Daily Mail (London), March 14, 2015, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2994085/She-loved-Rihanna-clothes-make-fell-spell-Islamists-British-schoolgirl-15-fled-join-ISIS.html. Begum had been a student at the Bethnal Green Academy, a private school she attended with her friends Khadiza Sultana, Shamima Begum (no familial relation), and Amira Abase. Two months after Begum’s disappearance, the three girls followed Begum to ISIS-held territory in Syria.Emine Sinmaz and Sue Reid, “She loved Rihanna, clothes and make-up... then fell under the spell of Islamists: Meet the FIRST British schoolgirl who fled to join ISIS,” Daily Mail (London), March 14, 2015, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2994085/She-loved-Rihanna-clothes-make-fell-spell-Islamists-British-schoolgirl-15-fled-join-ISIS.html. As of February 2019, Sharmeena Begum reportedly remained in ISIS’s last stronghold in Baghuz, Syria.Frances Perraudin, “Shamima Begum tells of fate since joining ISIS during half-term,” Guardian (London), February 14, 2019, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/14/shamima-begum-friends-kadiza-sultana-amira-abase-joined-isis-syria.

According to Begum’s father, Mohammad Uddin, Begum enjoyed watching soap operas and shopping.Emine Sinmaz and Sue Reid, “She loved Rihanna, clothes and make-up... then fell under the spell of Islamists: Meet the FIRST British schoolgirl who fled to join ISIS,” Daily Mail (London), March 14, 2015, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2994085/She-loved-Rihanna-clothes-make-fell-spell-Islamists-British-schoolgirl-15-fled-join-ISIS.html. Begum reportedly grew up in her uncle’s house where she lived with her mother and grandmother. Uddin reportedly traveled often for work. Begum’s uncle Shamim Miah is reportedly a devout Muslim and former religious scholar who encouraged Begum to pray every morning before dawn. Miah denies that his devotion radicalized his niece.Sue Reid, “How jihadi bride’s family sought help from hardline Isis apologists Cage...not police,” Daily Mail (London), April 3, 2015, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3025149/How-jihadi-bride-s-family-sought-help-hardline-Isis-apologists-Cage-not-police.html.

Begum became more religious after her mother died from cancer in January 2014. She began to wear traditional Islamic garb and argue with her teachers about ISIS.Katrin Bennhold, “Jihad and Girl Power: How ISIS Lured 3 London Girls,” New York Times, August 17, 2015, http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/18/world/europe/jihad-and-girl-power-how-isis-lured-3-london-teenagers.html?_r=0; Emine Sinmaz and Sue Reid, “She loved Rihanna, clothes and make-up... then fell under the spell of Islamists: Meet the FIRST British schoolgirl who fled to join ISIS,” Daily Mail (London), March 14, 2015, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2994085/She-loved-Rihanna-clothes-make-fell-spell-Islamists-British-schoolgirl-15-fled-join-ISIS.html. Uddin believes ISIS recruiters targeted his daughter over her cellphone using the social media applications Twitter and WhatsApp. On December 5, 2014, Begum claimed she was sick and stayed home from school, but instead went shopping to buy new clothes and an iPhone. She then spent the night at her grandmother’s house and disappeared the next day. Uddin alerted authorities after he called his daughter”s cellphone and heard a foreign dial tone.Emine Sinmaz and Sue Reid, “She loved Rihanna, clothes and make-up... then fell under the spell of Islamists: Meet the FIRST British schoolgirl who fled to join ISIS,” Daily Mail (London), March 14, 2015, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2994085/She-loved-Rihanna-clothes-make-fell-spell-Islamists-British-schoolgirl-15-fled-join-ISIS.html. Authorities believe she flew from London’s Gatwick Airport to Istanbul, where she crossed into Syria.Katrin Bennhold, “Jihad and Girl Power: How ISIS Lured 3 London Girls,” New York Times, August 17, 2015, http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/18/world/europe/jihad-and-girl-power-how-isis-lured-3-london-teenagers.html?_r=0; Vikram Dodd, “Sharmeena Begum – British girl left to join Isis after upheavals at home,” Guardian (London), March 13, 2015, http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/13/sharmeena-begum-first-of-british-girl-isis. In mid-December, Begum called her father to tell him she was in the so-called Islamic State and was “not coming back.”Emine Sinmaz and Sue Reid, “She loved Rihanna, clothes and make-up... then fell under the spell of Islamists: Meet the FIRST British schoolgirl who fled to join ISIS,” Daily Mail (London), March 14, 2015, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2994085/She-loved-Rihanna-clothes-make-fell-spell-Islamists-British-schoolgirl-15-fled-join-ISIS.html. Weeks before she disappeared, Begum reportedly deleted her social media accounts, began cutting classes, and learned basic Arabic phrases.Emine Sinmaz and Sue Reid, “She loved Rihanna, clothes and make-up... then fell under the spell of Islamists: Meet the FIRST British schoolgirl who fled to join ISIS,” Daily Mail (London), March 14, 2015, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2994085/She-loved-Rihanna-clothes-make-fell-spell-Islamists-British-schoolgirl-15-fled-join-ISIS.html.

Uddin monitored his daughter’s phone records in the days after she disappeared. He noted Begum made several calls while in Turkey, and believes authorities could have done more to stop his daughter during the few days she spent in Turkey before crossing into Syria.Emine Sinmaz and Sue Reid, “She loved Rihanna, clothes and make-up... then fell under the spell of Islamists: Meet the FIRST British schoolgirl who fled to join ISIS,” Daily Mail (London), March 14, 2015, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2994085/She-loved-Rihanna-clothes-make-fell-spell-Islamists-British-schoolgirl-15-fled-join-ISIS.html.

Two months after Begum disappeared, Sultana, Abase, and Shamima Begum crossed into Syria from Turkey. Police had questioned the girls after Begum’s disappearance, but they all denied knowledge of her whereabouts.Katrin Bennhold, “Jihad and Girl Power: How ISIS Lured 3 London Girls,” New York Times, August 17, 2015, http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/18/world/europe/jihad-and-girl-power-how-isis-lured-3-london-teenagers.html?_r=0. However, the three girls reportedly told Begum’s father that she had been taking cellphone calls from an unknown woman. British police reportedly told Uddin that two women had encouraged his daughter to join ISIS and accompanied Begum to the airport.Vikram Dodd, “Sharmeena Begum – British girl left to join Isis after upheavals at home,” Guardian (London), March 13, 2015, http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/13/sharmeena-begum-first-of-british-girl-isis. Uddin allegedly warned the Bethnal Green Academy to watch the three girls after his daughter’s disappearance,Emine Sinmaz and Sue Reid, “She loved Rihanna, clothes and make-up... then fell under the spell of Islamists: Meet the FIRST British schoolgirl who fled to join ISIS,” Daily Mail (London), March 14, 2015, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2994085/She-loved-Rihanna-clothes-make-fell-spell-Islamists-British-schoolgirl-15-fled-join-ISIS.html. but the girls successfully crossed into Syria in February 2015.Katrin Bennhold, “Jihad and Girl Power: How ISIS Lured 3 London Girls,” New York Times, August 17, 2015, http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/18/world/europe/jihad-and-girl-power-how-isis-lured-3-london-teenagers.html?_r=0. After the collapse of ISIS’s caliphate, Shamima Begum was found in a Syrian refugee camp in 2019.Anthony Loyd, “Shamima Begum: Bring me home, says Bethnal Green girl who left to join Isis,” Times (London), February 13, 2019, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/news/shamima-begum-bring-me-home-says-bethnal-green-girl-who-fled-to-join-isis-hgvqw765d. She later claimed Sharmeena Begum had inspired her, Sultana, and Abase to join ISIS. Shamima Begum credited Sharmeena Begum’s radicalization with inspiring the online radicalization of her and her friends. According to Shamima Begum, the three friends “fed off each other.”Abul Taher, “Jihadi bride Shamima Begum, 22, fears she will be sentenced to DEATH as she faces trial in Syria over her support for ISIS - and argues she was ‘an angel who was brainwashed,’” Daily Mail (London), June 11, 2022, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10907281/I-angel-brainwashed-Jihadi-bride-Shamima-Begum-fears-shell-face-death-penalty.html.

Following Begum’s disappearance, her uncle, Miah, reportedly called the British Islamic advocacy group CAGE.Sue Reid, “How jihadi bride’s family sought help from hardline Isis apologists Cage...not police,” Daily Mail (London), April 3, 2015, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3025149/How-jihadi-bride-s-family-sought-help-hardline-Isis-apologists-Cage-not-police.html. The organization, which claims its mission is to “empower communities impacted by the War on Terrorism,”“About Us,” CAGE, accessed September 17, 2015, http://www.cageuk.org/about. reportedly told Miah that Begum went to Syria “to get married” or “for radicalization” by ISIS.Sue Reid, “How jihadi bride’s family sought help from hardline Isis apologists Cage...not police,” Daily Mail (London), April 3, 2015, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3025149/How-jihadi-bride-s-family-sought-help-hardline-Isis-apologists-Cage-not-police.html.

Begum was allegedly in Baghuz, Syria, as of February 2019, according to an account by Shamima Begum.Frances Perraudin, “Shamima Begum tells of fate since joining ISIS during half-term,” Guardian (London), February 14, 2019, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/14/shamima-begum-friends-kadiza-sultana-amira-abase-joined-isis-syria.

Then-15-year-old Shamima Begum and two friends left their homes in the Bethnal Green section of London in 2015 to join ISIS in Syria. She went on to marry a Dutch foreign fighter and give birth to three children. In February 2019, Begum told British media that she wanted to return home, but the British government soon after revoked her citizenship.Gareth Davies, “Shamima Begum: Being stripped of my British citizenship is hard to swallow and unjust,” Telegraph (London), February 19, 2019, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/02/20/shamima-begum-stripped-british-citizenship-hard-swallow-unjust/; “Shamima Begum: What is her legal status?” BBC News, February 21, 2019, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-47310206. Begum has claimed that she wants forgiveness and now supports British values.“Shamima Begum: ‘I didn’t want to be IS poster girl,’” BBC News, February 18, 2019, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-47276572. Begum is engaged in a legal battle to return to England and contest the removal of her citizenship.“Shamima Begum can return to UK to fight for citizenship, Court of Appeal rules,” BBC News, July 16, 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-53427197. In February 2021, the British Supreme Court upheld a decision to bar Begum from returning to the country to participate in her appeal as she remains a security risk.Michael Holden, “Runaway schoolgirl who joined IS cannot return to Britain, top court says,” Reuters, February 26, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN2AQ17W. On February 22, 2023, the Special Immigration Appeals Commission denied Begum’s appeal against the decision to revoke her British citizenship.Sophie Tanno and Jessie Gretener, “British woman who joined ISIS as a teen loses UK citizenship appeal,” CNN, February 22, 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/22/europe/shamima-begum-ruling-intl-gbr/index.html.

On February 17, 2015, Begum used her then-17-year-old sister’s passport to board a flight to Turkey with school friends Amira Abase and Khadiza Sultana.“Syria girls: Shamima Begum used older sister’s passport,” BBC News, February 23, 2015, http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-3158173. Security camera footage at London’s Gatwick Airport recorded the trio boarding Turkish Airlines Flight 1966 to Istanbul. Once there, they reportedly waited 18 hours for a bus to take them over the border into Syria. They reportedly arrived in Syria on February 20 and made their way to Raqqa, ISIS’s declared capital.Tania Steere, “Three British jihadi school girls ‘now living in IS stronghold’: Trio said to be in Raqqa and under control of the Islamic State,” Daily Mail (London), March 8, 2015, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2985581/Three-British-jihadi-school-girls-living-stronghold-Trio-said-Raqqa-control-Islamic-State.html; Katrin Bennhold, “Jihad and Girl Power: How ISIS Lured 3 London Girls,” New York Times, August 17, 2015, https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/18/world/europe/jihad-and-girl-power-how-isis-lured-3-london-teenagers.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=photo-spot-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=1. Under the belief that their daughter wanted to help those suffering in Syria, Begum’s parents issued a plea that month for their daughter to return: “You can help from home. You don’t have to put yourself in danger.”Holly Yan and Nima Elbagir, “Authorities scramble to find teen girls before they join ISIS,” CNN, February 23, 2015, http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/23/europe/uk-syria-missing-girls/.

Begum had been a student at Bethnal Green Academy, a private school she attended with Sultana and Abase. In December 2014, fellow Bethnal Green student and friend Sharmeena Begum (no relation) left London to join ISIS in Syria. On February 5, 2015, British police sought to question Shamima Begum, Abase, and Sultana about Sharmeena’s whereabouts. The police delivered letters to the girls requesting their parents’ permission to give official statements, but the letters never reached the girls’ parents. Shamima Begum, Abase, and Sultana left almost two weeks later.Vikram Dodd and Aisha Gani, “Police failed us, say families of girls feared to have gone to Syria,” Guardian (London), March 6, 2015, http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/mar/06/syria-bound-girls-hid-police-letter-families; Omar Wahid, “Meet the schoolgirl grooming Britain’s teens to become jihadi brides,” Al Bawaba, August 2, 2015, http://www.albawaba.com/editorchoice/meet-schoolgirl-grooming-britains-teens-become-jihadi-brides-725742. Shamima Begum’s sister, Renu, said she hoped her sister had gone to Syria to retrieve Sharmeena Begum.“Syria girls: Shamima Begum used older sister’s passport,” BBC News, February 23, 2015, http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-31581739. Shamima Begun later claimed Sharmeena Begum had inspired her, Sultana, and Abase to join ISIS. Begum credited Sharmeena Begum’s radicalization with encouraging the online radicalization of her and her friends. According to Begum, the three friends “fed off each other.”Abul Taher, “Jihadi bride Shamima Begum, 22, fears she will be sentenced to DEATH as she faces trial in Syria over her support for ISIS - and argues she was ‘an angel who was brainwashed,’” Daily Mail (London), June 11, 2022, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10907281/I-angel-brainwashed-Jihadi-bride-Shamima-Begum-fears-shell-face-death-penalty.html.

Once in Syria, Begum told her family through Instagram that she had married a Dutch foreign fighter named Yago Riedjik. All three girls reportedly married at the same time. Sultana married a Canadian foreign fighter, while Abase married Australian foreign fighter Abdullah Elmir.Flora Drury, “All THREE London schoolgirls lured to Syria by ISIS have now become jihadi brides after picking their favourites out of a catalogue of western men - as family reveal they keep in touch via Instagram,” Daily Mail (London), August 17, 2015, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3201290/All-THREE-London-schoolgirls-lured-Syria-ISIS-jihadi-brides-picking-favourites-catalogue-western-men-family-reveal-touch-Instagram.html; Gareth Davies, “Shamima Begum: Being stripped of my British citizenship is hard to swallow and unjust,” Telegraph (London), February 19, 2019, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/02/20/shamima-begum-stripped-british-citizenship-hard-swallow-unjust/. Begum gave birth to three children, two of whom died from various illnesses. After the death of her second child in January 2019 and while pregnant with her third, Begum claimed she decided to leave what was left of ISIS’s caliphate.Gareth Davies, “Shamima Begum: Being stripped of my British citizenship is hard to swallow and unjust,” Telegraph (London), February 19, 2019, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/02/20/shamima-begum-stripped-british-citizenship-hard-swallow-unjust/.

Renu Begum has described her sister as an “A-star student,” but has also claimed she is not adventurous: “She doesn’t like to go by herself to Bethnal Green to buy a pint of milk.”Ben Ferguson and Ben Bryant, “London Schoolgirl Who Fled to the Islamic State ‘Didn’t Know How to Pray,’” Vice, News, August 7, 2015, https://news.vice.com/article/london-schoolgirl-who-fled-to-the-islamic-state-didnt-know-how-to-pray. She also described Begum as not particularly religious: “She started wearing a scarf in year 10 [age 14-15] because my mum asked her to, but she didn’t have a problem wearing it because all her friends wore it….”Ben Ferguson and Ben Bryant, “London Schoolgirl Who Fled to the Islamic State ‘Didn’t Know How to Pray,’” Vice, News, August 7, 2015, https://news.vice.com/article/london-schoolgirl-who-fled-to-the-islamic-state-didnt-know-how-to-pray. While searching Begum’s personal items for evidence of radicalization, her family found only a piece of paper explaining how to pray.Ben Ferguson and Ben Bryant, “London Schoolgirl Who Fled to the Islamic State ‘Didn’t Know How to Pray,’” Vice, News, August 7, 2015, https://news.vice.com/article/london-schoolgirl-who-fled-to-the-islamic-state-didnt-know-how-to-pray.

Begum may also have been in contact with Scottish college student Aqsa Mahmood, who fled Glasgow, Scotland, for Syria in 2013 at the age of 20.Jon Stone, “Aqsa Mahmood branded a ‘disgrace’ by her parents after claims she recruited three UK girls flying to Middle East,” Independent (London), February 22, 2015, http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/aqsa-mahmood-branded-a-disgrace-by-her-parents-after-claims-she-recruited-three-uk-girls-flying-to-middle-east-10062151.html. In the months prior to her departure, Begum asked Mahmood to contact her over Twitter, signaling that the two may have been in communication. After learning that Mahmood may have played a role in recruiting the Bethnal Green girls, Mahmood’s parents issued a statement saying they were “Full of horror and anger that their daughter may have had a role to play in the recruitment of these young girls to Isis.”James Cook, “Glasgow ‘jihadist’ Aqsa Mahmood denies recruiting London girls,” BBC News, March 16, 2015, http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-31908202. Mahmood reportedly led the al-Khansaa Brigade, one of ISIS’s all-women militias that was notorious for violently enforcing the terror group’s religious and morality laws on women. Begum reportedly followed other Khansaa members on Twitter as well. The three Bethnal Green girls were allegedly training with the al-Khansaa Brigade as of 2015, according to media reports.Robert Verkaik and Tom Wyke, “Three London schoolgirls who fled to Syria ‘have joined fearsome all-female ISIS militia renowned for savage beatings and forcing children as young as nine to marry,’” Daily Mail (London), April 21, 2015, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3043859/Three-London-schoolgirls-fled-Syria-joined-fearsome-women-ISIS-militia-renowned-savage-beatings-forcing-children-young-nine-marry.html. Mahmood has since denied having any connection to the three Bethnal Green teenagers.James Cook, “Glasgow ‘jihadist’ Aqsa Mahmood denies recruiting London girls,” BBC News, March 16, 2015, http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-31908202.

In February 2019, a reporter for the Times newspaper in London discovered Begum in the al-Hawl Syrian refugee camp alongside hundreds of other ISIS wives and widows. Nine months pregnant at the time, Begum told the reporter that she feared what would happen to her or her unborn child if she had stayed on the battlefield in ISIS’s last stronghold in Baghuz, Syria. Following the deaths of their other two children, Begum and her husband chose to flee Baghuz that January. Begum’s husband surrendered to Syrian fighters allied with the Syrian Democratic Forces rebel group. Begum was transferred to al-Hawl. She claimed that she would “do anything” to be able to return to the United Kingdom with her soon-to-be-born child.Anthony Loyd, “Shamima Begum: Bring me home, says Bethnal Green girl who left to join Isis,” Times (London), February 13, 2019, https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/news/shamima-begum-bring-me-home-says-bethnal-green-girl-who-fled-to-join-isis-hgvqw765d.

Begum’s reported contrition notwithstanding, her legal status in the United Kingdom remains unclear. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick stated in February 2019 that specific terrorism charges would need to be filed against Begum as going to Syria is not a crime in and of itself.Martin Evans, “Isil brides cannot be prosecuted for simply going to Syria, Met chief admits,” Telegraph (London), February 19, 2019, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/02/19/isil-brides-cannot-prosecuted-simply-going-syria-met-chief-admits/. On February 19, 2019, two days after Begum gave birth to a baby boy, the British government revoked Begum’s citizenship. British Home Secretary Sajid Javid affirmed that the British citizenship of Begum’s child remained unaffected by her status.Gareth Davies, “Shamima Begum: Being stripped of my British citizenship is hard to swallow and unjust,” Telegraph (London), February 19, 2019, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/02/20/shamima-begum-stripped-british-citizenship-hard-swallow-unjust/; “Shamima Begum: What is her legal status?” BBC News, February 21, 2019, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-47310206.

Under British law, citizenship may be revoked if the subject maintains citizenship in another country. The British government reportedly believed Begum held Bangladeshi citizenship through her mother. Two days later, however, the Bangladeshi government denied Begum’s citizenship status, which would leave her stateless in contravention of British law.Gareth Davies, “Shamima Begum: Being stripped of my British citizenship is hard to swallow and unjust,” Telegraph (London), February 19, 2019, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/02/20/shamima-begum-stripped-british-citizenship-hard-swallow-unjust/; “Shamima Begum: What is her legal status?” BBC News, February 21, 2019, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-47310206. On February 22, U.K. Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn called removing Begum’s citizenship “extreme” and defended her right to return to Britain.Tara John, “Jeremy Corbyn calls for ISIS bride Shamima Begum’s ‘return to Britain,’” CNN, February 22, 2019, https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/21/uk/jeremy-corbyn-shamima-begum-scli-intl/index.html. Despite declaring her desire to return to the United Kingdom and abide by British values, Begum has continued to justify ISIS violence. In a February 2019 interview with the BBC, Begum said it was wrong to kill innocent women and children, but at the same time justified the May 2017 Manchester Arena terror attack as retaliation for the deaths of women and children in Syria.Gareth Davies, “Shamima Begum: Being stripped of my British citizenship is hard to swallow and unjust,” Telegraph (London), February 20, 2019, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/02/20/shamima-begum-stripped-british-citizenship-hard-swallow-unjust/.

Since she publicly reemerged in February 2019, Begum has received threats of violence in Syria and in the United Kingdom. In Wirral, England, a shooting range has used Begum’s image on its targets. Ultimate Airsoft Range issued a statement that it decided to use Begum’s image after witnessing her lack of empathy in her February 2019 interviews. Local government officials and Muslim advocates condemned the business’s decision.Mattha Busby, “UK shooting range uses Shamima Begum image for targets,” Guardian (London), February 27, 2019, https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/feb/27/uk-shooting-range-uses-shamima-begum-image-for-targets. In Syria, Begum has reportedly received death threats for speaking out about her desire to return to the United Kingdom. On March 1, 2019, British media reported that authorities had moved Begum and her son from al-Hawl to a camp in northern Syria near the Iraqi border.Matthew Weaver and Nazia Parveen, “Shamima Begum moved after threats in Syria camp, says lawyer,” Guardian (London), March 1, 2019, https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/mar/01/shamima-begum-moved-from-syrian-camp-after-threats. On March 8, the Syrian Democratic Forces confirmed that Begum’s baby had died in the refugee camp.“Shamima Begum: IS teenager’s baby son has died, SDF confirms,” BBC News, March 8, 2019, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-47500387. Begum’s family and lawyer in the United Kingdom are proceeding with a legal appeal of her citizenship status.Matthew Weaver and Nazia Parveen, “Shamima Begum moved after threats in Syria camp, says lawyer,” Guardian (London), March 1, 2019, https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/mar/01/shamima-begum-moved-from-syrian-camp-after-threats. On July 16, 2020, the U.K. Court of Appeal ruled that Begum should be allowed to return to England to challenge the removal of her citizenship and the U.K. government is responsible for ensuring that Begum appears in court in London. The Home Office indicated its intent to appeal the decision.“Shamima Begum can return to UK to fight for citizenship, Court of Appeal rules,” BBC News, July 16, 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-53427197.

Since she publicly reemerged in February 2019, Begum has received threats of violence in Syria and in the United Kingdom. In Wirral, England, a shooting range has used Begum’s image on its targets. Ultimate Airsoft Range issued a statement that it decided to use Begum’s image after witnessing her lack of empathy in her February 2019 interviews. Local government officials and Muslim advocates condemned the business’s decision.Mattha Busby, “UK shooting range uses Shamima Begum image for targets,” Guardian (London), February 27, 2019, https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/feb/27/uk-shooting-range-uses-shamima-begum-image-for-targets. In Syria, Begum has reportedly received death threats for speaking out about her desire to return to the United Kingdom. On March 1, 2019, British media reported that authorities had moved Begum and her son from al-Hawl to a camp in northern Syria near the Iraqi border.Matthew Weaver and Nazia Parveen, “Shamima Begum moved after threats in Syria camp, says lawyer,” Guardian (London), March 1, 2019, https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/mar/01/shamima-begum-moved-from-syrian-camp-after-threats. On March 8, the Syrian Democratic Forces confirmed that Begum’s baby had died in the refugee camp.“Shamima Begum: IS teenager’s baby son has died, SDF confirms,” BBC News, March 8, 2019, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-47500387. Begum’s family and lawyer in the United Kingdom are proceeding with a legal appeal of her citizenship status.Matthew Weaver and Nazia Parveen, “Shamima Begum moved after threats in Syria camp, says lawyer,” Guardian (London), March 1, 2019, https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/mar/01/shamima-begum-moved-from-syrian-camp-after-threats. On July 16, 2020, the U.K. Court of Appeal ruled that Begum should be allowed to return to England to challenge the removal of her citizenship and the U.K. government is responsible for ensuring that Begum appears in court in London. The Home Office indicated its intent to appeal the decision.“Shamima Begum can return to UK to fight for citizenship, Court of Appeal rules,” BBC News, July 16, 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-53427197.

The case elevated to the United Kingdom’s Supreme Court.“Case of Islamic State recruit’s UK citizenship goes to Supreme Court,” Reuters, July 31, 2020, https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKCN24W2YP. The British government argued Begum remained a national security threat and as such should not have her citizenship returned. Further, the Home Office argued that Begum should face “serious impediments in the way of her return to the UK.”Owen Bowcott and Dan Sabbagh, “Shamima Begum still a national security threat, UK supreme court told,” Guardian (London), November 23, 2020, https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/nov/23/shamima-begum-still-national-security-threat-supreme-court. Begum’s attorney argued that she could not properly appeal the ruling while remaining in Syria.Owen Bowcott and Dan Sabbagh, “Shamima Begum still a national security threat, UK supreme court told,” Guardian (London), November 23, 2020, https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/nov/23/shamima-begum-still-national-security-threat-supreme-court.

The British government continued to argue that Begum had Bangladeshi citizenship and so revoking her British citizenship would not leave her stateless. The appeal reached the United Kingdom’s Supreme Court in November 2020.“Shamima Begum: Return to UK 'a security risk,’” BBC News, November 23, 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-55046030. However, on February 17, 2021, the Bangladeshi foreign ministry affirmed that Begum is not a citizen and is not permitted to enter the country. The foreign ministry also cited the facts that Begum was born in the United Kingdom and never applied for dual citizenship based on her family heritage.“IS teenager Shamima Begum will not be allowed into Bangladesh,” Reuters, February 20, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSL8N1XG6GC. Nonetheless, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the British government’s position on February 26, 2021. In a unanimous decision, the court ruled Begum’s right to a fair hearing does not trump the fact she continues to pose a security risk. The court also said Begum’s appeal of her citizenship decision should be put on hold until she can play an effective role without endangering the public.Michael Holden, “Runaway schoolgirl who joined IS cannot return to Britain, top court says,” Reuters, February 26, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN2AQ17W.

According to Begum, Sharmeena Begum and Abase were still in Baghuz, Syria, as of February 2019.Frances Perraudin, “Shamima Begum tells of fate since joining ISIS during half-term,” Guardian (London), February 14, 2019, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/14/shamima-begum-friends-kadiza-sultana-amira-abase-joined-isis-syria. Sultana was killed in a 2016 air strike against ISIS in Syria.Jon Henley and Vikram Dodd, “Kadiza Sultana: London schoolgirl who joined Isis believed killed in Syria airstrike,” Guardian (London), August 12, 2016, https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/aug/11/london-schoolgirl-kadiza-sultana-who-joined-isis-believed-killed-in-syria-airstrike. In 2019, Begum was placed in the Roj refugee camp in northeastern Syria, administered by Syrian-Kurdish authorities.Michael Holden, “Runaway schoolgirl who joined IS cannot return to Britain, top court says,” Reuters, February 26, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN2AQ17W. U.N. human rights experts have labeled conditions in the camp “sub-human” and called on countries to repatriate their citizens.Stephanie Nebehay, “U.N. urges 57 countries to reclaim women, children from Syrian camps,” Reuters, February 8, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-syria-security-un-rights-idUSKBN2A81V4.

In August 2022, the BBC reported a Canadian intelligence agent had initially smuggled Begum into Syria through a large smuggling network based out of Raqqa. When Begum, Sultana, and Abase initially left Britain in 2015, they traveled to Istanbul, Turkey. At the Istanbul bus station, they met Mohammed Al Rasheed, who facilitated their journey to ISIS-controlled Syria. Rasheed reportedly worked with ISIS recruiter Raphael Hostey, who had charged Rasheed with bringing equipment and people into ISIS-held territory. According to the BBC, Rasheed had smuggled multiple Britons into Syria for at least eight months while sharing their passport information with Canadian authorities through the Canadian embassy in Jordan in exchange for asylum. Rasheed often photographed identification papers or filmed travelers on his phone. He reportedly mapped the locations of the homes of Western foreign fighters in Syria. He also collected IP addresses and the locations of Internet cafes in ISIS-held territory. Begum was already in Syria by the time Canada received her passport details.Josh Baker, “Shamima Begum: Spy for Canada smuggled schoolgirl to Syria,” BBC News, August 31, 2022, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-62726954. Begum, Sultana, and Abase arrived in Syria on February 20, 2015.Tania Steere, “Three British jihadi school girls ‘now living in IS stronghold’: Trio said to be in Raqqa and under control of the Islamic State,” Daily Mail (London), March 8, 2015, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2985581/Three-British-jihadi-school-girls-living-stronghold-Trio-said-Raqqa-control-Islamic-State.html; Katrin Bennhold, “Jihad and Girl Power: How ISIS Lured 3 London Girls,” New York Times, August 17, 2015, https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/18/world/europe/jihad-and-girl-power-how-isis-lured-3-london-teenagers.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=photo-spot-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=1. On February 21, Rasheed allegedly reported the three teenagers to Canadian intelligence. Turkish intelligence arrested Rasheed on February 28.“Spy accused of helping teens join ISIS claims he worked for Canadian intelligence,” CBC News, March 13, 2015, https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/spy-accused-of-helping-teens-join-isis-claims-he-worked-for-canadian-intelligence-1.2993716; Matthew Taylor and agencies, “Man suspected of helping British schoolgirls join Isis arrested in Turkey,” Guardian (London), March 12, 2015, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/12/man-british-schoolgirls-join-isis-arrested-turkey.

In a June 2022 interview with the Daily Mail, Begum claimed she had been brainwashed and sex trafficked into Syria. A senior Canadian intelligence officer confirmed to the BBC that Rasheed was working as a Canadian asset. In that interview, Begum also revealed she had received news Abase was dead.Abul Taher, “Jihadi bride Shamima Begum, 22, fears she will be sentenced to DEATH as she faces trial in Syria over her support for ISIS - and argues she was ‘an angel who was brainwashed,’” Daily Mail (London), June 11, 2022, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10907281/I-angel-brainwashed-Jihadi-bride-Shamima-Begum-fears-shell-face-death-penalty.html. With the revelation of Rasheed’s role and the smuggling network, Begum’s attorneys have sought to cast her as a victim of human trafficking.Josh Baker, “Shamima Begum: Spy for Canada smuggled schoolgirl to Syria,” BBC News, August 31, 2022, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-62726954.

Begum continued her appeal against the removal of her British citizenship in November 2022, when the SIAC held a five-day hearing where Begum’s legal team argued the U.K. Home Office had a duty to investigate claims that Begum was a victim of trafficking. On February 22, 2023, the Special Immigration Appeals Commission denied Begum’s appeal against the decision to revoke her British citizenship.Sophie Tanno and Jessie Gretener, “British woman who joined ISIS as a teen loses UK citizenship appeal,” CNN, February 22, 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/22/europe/shamima-begum-ruling-intl-gbr/index.html. Although the presiding judge maintained there was “credible suspicion” that Begum was trafficked and sexually exploited in Syria, the lack of evidence was not enough for Begum’s appeal to succeed.Sam Tobin, “Shamima Begum, British-born woman who joined Islamic State, loses appeal over citizenship removal,” Reuters, February 22, 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/british-born-schoolgirl-who-joined-is-loses-appeal-over-citizenship-removal-2023-02-22/.

As of February 2023, Begum remains in Roj, a Syrian detention camp, while awaiting trial in Syria. Begum was expected to stand trial for terror offenses in either September or October 2022 in Rojava, a Kurdish-run, self-governing region in northeastern Syria. However, no further information was made available as of February 2023.Sami Quadri, “Shamima Begum ‘fears she will be executed as she faces terror trial in Syria’,” June 13, 2022, https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/shamima-begum-news-syria-death-penalty-trial-isis-terror-jihadi-bride-b1005604.html.

Shaker Masri is a convicted Islamic extremist and attempted foreign fighter for al-Shabab. He planned to join the Somali-based terror group in August 2010, but was arrested in Chicago prior to his departure.“Chicago Man Arrested For Attempting To Provide Material Support To A Terrorist Organization,” U.S. Department of Justice, August 4, 2010, https://www.investigativeproject.org/documents/case_docs/3263.pdf. In July 2012, he pled guilty to attempting to provide material support and planning to travel abroad to fight for a designated foreign terrorist organization.“Chicago Man Pleads Guilty to Planning Travel to Somalia to Join al Shabaab Terrorist Organization in Jihad Combat,” Federal Bureau of Investigation, July 30, 2012, https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/chicago/press-releases/2012/chicago-man-pleads-guilty-to-planning-travel-to-somalia-to-join-al-shabaab-terrorist-organization-in-jihad-combat. On December 11, he was sentenced to nine years and 10 months in federal prison.“Chicago Man Sentenced to Nearly 10 Years in Prison for Planning Travel to Somalia to Join al Shabaab in Jihad Combat,” Federal Bureau of Investigation, December 11, 2012, https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/chicago/press-releases/2012/chicago-man-sentenced-to-nearly-10-years-in-prison-for-planning-travel-to-somalia-to-join-al-shabaab-in-jihad-combat. In August 2017, Masri was released early from prison and moved into a halfway house in Chicago, where he will be on supervised released for the following 20 years. He claims to now reject jihadist ideology.Nicole Hong, “Are Terrorists Ready for Life After Prison?” Wall Street Journal, April 25, 2018, https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-struggles-to-prepare-convicted-terrorists-for-life-after-prison-1524648602.

Masri was born in Alabama to Syrian immigrants. He then grew up in Nigeria, where he had a comfortable and financially stable childhood. In 2001, Masri moved to Chicago to attend university, but never graduated.Nicole Hong, “Are Terrorists Ready for Life After Prison?” Wall Street Journal, April 25, 2018, https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-struggles-to-prepare-convicted-terrorists-for-life-after-prison-1524648602. According to authorities, Masri started to radicalize in early 2009, espousing increasingly violent views and openly expressing his desire to engage in “jihad” and fight against “infidels.”“Chicago Man Arrested For Attempting To Provide Material Support To A Terrorist Organization,” U.S. Department of Justice, August 4, 2010, https://www.investigativeproject.org/documents/case_docs/3263.pdf. He watched martyrdom videos and read online lectures of now-deceased American-born al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) cleric Anwar al-Awlaki.“United States of America v. Shaker Masri – Criminal Complaint,” United States District Court, Northern District Of Illinois, Eastern Division, August 3, 2010, https://www.investigativeproject.org/documents/case_docs/1353.pdf.

Over several conversations in July 2010, Masri told a friend—who secretly cooperated with the FBI—that he intended to travel to Somalia and join al-Shabab and participate in a suicide mission. Masri was determined, but lacked the necessary financial resources to travel to the conflict zone. The FBI’s cooperating source offered to use his money on the condition that he be allowed to join Masri. The two often met to discuss their proposed travel, including prospective routes, dates, costs, ways to conceal their departure, and the weapons they would need to acquire in Somalia. Rather than traveling directly to the region, Masri suggested that both men fly from Chicago to Los Angeles, and cross the U.S. border into Mexico. From there, they could transit through another Central or South American country before leaving for East Africa. They eventually booked a flight from Chicago to Los Angeles departing on August 4, 2010.“Chicago Man Sentenced to Nearly 10 Years in Prison for Planning Travel to Somalia to Join al Shabaab in Jihad Combat,” Federal Bureau of Investigation, December 11, 2012, https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/chicago/press-releases/2012/chicago-man-sentenced-to-nearly-10-years-in-prison-for-planning-travel-to-somalia-to-join-al-shabaab-in-jihad-combat.

On August 3, 2010, Masri was arrested by the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force in Chicago and charged with attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and attempting to provide material support through the use of a weapon of mass destruction. The latter charge was issued due to his intent to volunteer for a suicide mission, as he would offer himself as a weapon of mass destruction.“Chicago Man Arrested For Attempting To Provide Material Support To A Terrorist Organization,” U.S. Department of Justice, August 4, 2010, https://www.investigativeproject.org/documents/case_docs/3263.pdf; “United States of America v. Shaker Masir – Government’s Sentencing Memorandum,” United States District Court, Northern District Of Illinois, Eastern Division, November 29, 2012, https://www.investigativeproject.org/documents/case_docs/2080.pdf. He pled guilty to all charges.“Chicago Man Pleads Guilty to Planning Travel to Somalia to Join al Shabaab Terrorist Organization in Jihad Combat,” Federal Bureau of Investigation, July 30, 2012, https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/chicago/press-releases/2012/chicago-man-pleads-guilty-to-planning-travel-to-somalia-to-join-al-shabaab-terrorist-organization-in-jihad-combat. On December 11, 2012, he was sentenced to nine years and 10 months in federal prison with supervised release for 20 years after his incarceration.“Chicago Man Sentenced to Nearly 10 Years in Prison for Planning Travel to Somalia to Join al Shabaab in Jihad Combat,” Federal Bureau of Investigation, December 11, 2012, https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/chicago/press-releases/2012/chicago-man-sentenced-to-nearly-10-years-in-prison-for-planning-travel-to-somalia-to-join-al-shabaab-in-jihad-combat.

In August 2017, Masri was released from prison, moved into a halfway house in Chicago, and began working in online sales. In a 2018 interview in the Wall Street Journal, Masri claims to now reject jihadist ideology.Nicole Hong, “Are Terrorists Ready for Life After Prison?” Wall Street Journal, April 25, 2018, https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-struggles-to-prepare-convicted-terrorists-for-life-after-prison-1524648602.

Aine Davis is a British member of ISIS who previously belonged to the four-member ISIS cell known as “The Beatles.” Led by deceased ISIS executioner Mohammed Emwazi, a.k.a. Jihadi John, The Beatles also included British citizens Alexanda Amon Kotey and El Shafee Elsheikh. The four were responsible for holding captive and beheading 27 hostages, including American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff, and American aid worker Peter Kassig.“State Department Terrorist Designation of Alexanda Amon Kotey,” U.S. Department of State, January 10, 2017, https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2017/01/266762.htm; Tom Whitehead and Harry Yorke, “Jihadi John's fourth Beatle unmasked as refugee given shelter in UK,” Telegraph (London), May 23, 2016, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/05/23/jihadi-johns-fourth-beatle-unmasked-as-refugee-given-shelter-in/; “State Department Terrorist Designations of El Shafee Elsheikh, Anjem Choudary, Sami Bouras, Shane Dominic Crawford, and Mark John Taylor,” U.S. Department of State, March 30, 2017, https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2017/03/269306.htm. Davis is a convicted criminal, former gang member, drug dealer, and Muslim convert who left the United Kingdom in July 2013 and subsequently joined ISIS.“Who are Britain’s jihadists?,” BBC News, September 8, 2015, http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-32026985; Robert Mendick, “British jihadist at heart of terrorist network in Iraq and Syria,” Telegraph (London), August 16, 2014, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/terrorism-in-the-uk/11038871/British-jihadist-at-the-heart-of-terrorist-network-terror-in-Syria-and-Iraq.html; Dominic Casciani, “Woman jailed for funding Syria jihad,” BBC News, November 13, 2014, http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-30041625. Davis is scheduled for trial in London in February 2023.“Alleged Daesh ‘Beatle’ to go on trial in UK,” Arab News, February 6, 2023, https://www.arabnews.com/node/2245741/world.

Davis grew up in the west London borough of Hammersmith and spent time in prison for illegal gun possession. He reportedly converted to a “rather radical form of Islam” in prison, according to BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner.“‘Jihadi John’: Suspected accomplice arrested in Turkey,” BBC News, November 13, 2015, http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-34813534. In the early 2000s, Kotey, Davis, and Emwazi all reportedly attended the Al-Manaar mosque in Landbroke Grove, London.Jane Bradley, Tom Warren, and Richard Holmes, “ISIS Accomplice of ‘Jihadi John’ Named As ‘Quiet And Humble’ Londoner,” BuzzFeed News, February 8, 2016, https://www.buzzfeed.com/janebradley/unmasked-the-second-member-of-isiss-beatles-execution-cell?utm_term=.hblMB4XJj#.bx3DJ2X7r. The three were reportedly physically removed from the mosque because of their radical behavior.James Fielding, Sarah White, and Rod Ardehali, “‘The fact he's still alive will be a big relief’: Mother of ISIS Beatle suicide squad member is COMFORTED by his capture in Syria as his father admits: ‘We don't know what will happen to our son,’” Daily Mail (London), February 9, 2018, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5372765/Mother-ISIS-Beatle-COMFORTED-capture.html#ixzz56vm9EInH.

Davis is married to Amal el-Wahabi from northwest London. El-Wahabi tried to smuggle €20,000 ($22,600) to her husband via Turkey.“Who are Britain’s jihadists?” BBC News, September 8, 2015, http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-32026985. El-Wahabi was convicted of funding terrorism in August 2014 and jailed for two years and four months from November 2014.Dominic Casciani, “Woman jailed for funding Syria jihad,” BBC News, November 13, 2014, http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-30041625. El-Wahabi was the first person to be convicted in the United Kingdom of funding jihadists in Syria.Colin Freeman, “British associate of Jihadi John held in Turkey over plot to carry out copycat Paris attacks,” Telegraph (London), November 15, 2015, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/islamic-state/11997530/British-associate-of-Jihadi-John-held-in-Turkey-over-plot-to-carry-out-copycat-Paris-attacks.html. At the trial, el-Wahabi said Davis was sent to Gambia at the age of 5 to live with his grandmother, returning to the United Kingdom twice at 8 and then as a teenager. In 2004, Davis spent two years at a young offenders’ institute for illegal possession of a firearm while in a taxi. Between 2002 and 2010, Davis was convicted six separate times for possession of cannabis. When he left the United Kingdom in July 2013, Davis abandoned four children by two different mothers.Robert Mendick, “British jihadist at heart of terrorist network in Iraq and Syria,” Telegraph (London), August 16, 2014, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/terrorism-in-the-uk/11038871/British-jihadist-at-the-heart-of-terrorist-network-terror-in-Syria-and-Iraq.html.

In ISIS, Davis joined with Emwazi, Kotey, and Elsheikh to form the cell labeled The Beatles by hostages because of their British accents.Adam Goldman and Souad Mekhennet, “‘That is not the son I raised’: How a British citizen became one of the most notorious members of ISIS,” Washington Post, May 23, 2016, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/that-is-not-the-son-i-raised-how-a-british-citizen-became-one-of-the-most-notorious-members-of-isis/2016/05/23/6d66276c-1cfd-11e6-b6e0-c53b7ef63b45_story.html?utm_term=.3125a25e6b63. According to freed ISIS hostages, The Beatles were among the more brutal of ISIS’s guards. Didier Francois—a French journalist held prisoner by The Beatles for 10 months—told CNN that The Beatles would regularly stage fake executions after telling captives they were to be beheaded.Mick Krever, “ISIS captors cared little about religion, says former hostage,” CNN, February 4, 2015, http://edition.cnn.com/2015/02/03/intl_world/amanpour-didier-francois/index.html?sr=fb020315isisquran4pVODtopVideo.

Davis was among a group of suspects arrested in Turkey in November 2015 on suspicion of planning a terror attack in the country to coincide with the ISIS attack that month in Paris.Colin Freeman, “British associate of Jihadi John held in Turkey over plot to carry out copycat Paris attacks,” Telegraph (London), November 15, 2015, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/islamic-state/11997530/British-associate-of-Jihadi-John-held-in-Turkey-over-plot-to-carry-out-copycat-Paris-attacks.html. A court in Silivri, Turkey, found Davis guilty of belonging to a terrorist organization. The court sentenced Davis to seven-and-a-half years in prison. Davis insisted on his innocence after his sentencing.Martin Chulov and Jamie Grierson, “British jihadi Aine Davis convicted in Turkey on terror charges,” Guardian (London), May 9, 2017, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/09/british-jihadist-aine-davis-convicted-in-turkey-on-terror-charges. Emwazi was killed in a November 2015 U.S. airstrike in Syria.Dana Ford and Steve Almasy, “ISIS confirms death of ‘Jihadi John,’” CNN, January 20, 2016, http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/19/middleeast/jihadi-john-dead/. Syrian Kurdish forces captured Kotey and Elsheikh in Syria in February 2018.Mark Hosenball and Idrees Ali, “Syrian Kurds capture two British Islamic State militants: U.S. officials,” Reuters, February 8, 2018, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-britain/syrian-kurds-capture-two-british-islamic-state-militants-u-s-officials-idUSKBN1FS34Q.

On September 22, 2020, the British government provided the United States with evidence against Elsheikh and Kotey, clearing the way for their trial. The United Kingdom originally prevented the transfer of evidence due to a legal fight over the use of the death penalty. However, the U.S. government made it clear that if Kotey and Elsheikh were found guilty, they would not be executed. It is unreported if Davis will be extradited to the United States from Turkey if U.S. legal proceedings commence.“UK sends US evidence on Islamic State 'Beatles',” BBC News, September 23, 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-54255869; Charlie Savage, “British Give U.S. Evidence Against ISIS ‘Beatles,’ Clearing Way for Trial,” New York Times, September 22, 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/22/us/politics/isis-beatles.html. Kotey and Elsheikh were transferred to the United States for trial in October 2020.Rachel Weiner and Ellen Nakashima, “Two ISIS militants charged in deaths of James Foley and other American hostages in Syria,” Washington Post, October 7, 2020, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/isis-hostages-beheadings-miltants-charged/2020/10/07/69762ef2-089b-11eb-859b-f9c27abe638d_story.html. In September 2021, Kotey pleaded guilty to eight charges related to the kidnapping and murder of hostages.Rachel Weiner and Tom Jackman, “ISIS militant admits involvement in torture, killings of American hostages,” Washington Post, September 2, 2021, https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/legal-issues/islamic-state-hostage-plea/2021/09/02/669d2b2c-0b56-11ec-9781-07796ffb56fe_story.html. On April 14, 2022, Elsheikh was convicted on eight charges, including four counts of hostage-taking resulting in death, murder conspiracy and conspiracy to provide material support to a terrorist organization.“El Shafee Elsheikh: IS 'Beatle' found guilty of hostage-taking and conspiring to murder journalists and aid workers,” Sky News, April 14, 2022, https://news.sky.com/story/el-shafee-elsheikh-is-beatle-found-guilty-of-hostage-taking-and-conspiring-to-murder-journalists-and-aid-workers-12589377. On April 29, 2022, Kotey was sentenced to life in prison.“Alexanda Kotey: IS ‘Beatle’ sentenced to life in US for murders in Syria,” BBC News, April 29, 2022, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-61274332. Elsheikh was sentenced to life in prison on August 19, 2022.Kanishka Singh, “Islamic State militant gets life in U.S. prison over killing of American hostages,” Reuters, August 19, 2022, https://www.reuters.com/legal/islamic-state-cell-member-faces-us-sentencing-beheadings-2022-08-19/.

Davis carried out the majority of his seven-and-a-half-year sentence at Ankara’s Sincan prison. Ragip Soylu and Simon Hooper, “EXCLUSIVE: Turkey set to deport 'Islamic State Beatle' to UK,” Middle East Eye, June 30, 2022, https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/islamic-state-beatle-turkey-set-deport-uk. On August 10, 2022, authorities flew him to Luton, England, where he was immediately arrested at the airport by the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command and transferred to London.Daniel Sandford and Doug Faulkner, “Aine Davis: Alleged fourth IS ‘Beatle’ arrested in UK on terror charges,” BBC News, August 10, 2022, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-62495025. On February 6, 2023, Judge Mark Lucraft announced Davis’s trial would begin February 27 at London’s Old Bailey court.“Alleged Daesh ‘Beatle’ to go on trial in UK,” Arab News, February 6, 2023, https://www.arabnews.com/node/2245741/world.

El Shafee Elsheikh is a U.S.-designated British member of ISIS who previously belonged to the four-member ISIS cell known as “The Beatles.” Led by deceased ISIS executioner Mohammed Emwazi, a.k.a. Jihadi John, The Beatles also included British citizens Aine Davis and Alexanda Amon Kotey. The four were responsible for holding captive and beheading 27 hostages, including American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff, and American aid worker Peter Kassig.“State Department Terrorist Designations of El Shafee Elsheikh, Anjem Choudary, Sami Bouras, Shane Dominic Crawford, and Mark John Taylor,” U.S. Department of State, March 30, 2017, https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2017/03/269306.htm; “State Department Terrorist Designation of Alexanda Amon Kotey,” U.S. Department of State, January 10, 2017, https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2017/01/266762.htm. On April 14, 2022, Elsheikh was found guilty on eight charges of hostage-taking, conspiracy to murder U.S. citizens, and supporting a foreign terrorist organization.Gillian Morley, “El Shafee Elsheikh, British ISIS member, convicted on all counts for deadly kidnapping plot,” CBS News, April 14, 2022, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/isis-el-shafee-elsheikh-verdict/. He was sentenced to life in prison on August 19, 2022.https://www.reuters.com/legal/islamic-state-cell-member-faces-us-sentencing-beheadings-2022-08-19/.

Elsheikh’s parents, Rashid Sidahmed Elsheikh and Maha Elgizouli, escaped Sudan’s civil war in 1993 and moved to the White City district of London’s Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Elsheikh’s father left the family when he was 7 years old. Elsheikh went on to study mechanical engineering at Acton College in London. In 2008, 19-year-old Elsheikh was stabbed multiple times during a fight with a gang member. Elsheikh’s older brother, Khalid, then got into a fight with the assailant, who was subsequently killed in related gang violence. Khalid Elsheikh was sentenced to 10 years in prison for possession of a firearm with the intent to endanger life.Jane Bradley, “My Son The ISIS Executioner,” BuzzFeed News, May 23, 2016, https://www.buzzfeed.com/janebradley/my-son-the-isis-executioner?utm_term=.kb7mpRRLJb#.euJoZRRaXD.

At age 21, Elsheikh married an Ethiopian woman in Canada, whom he met while visiting family in Toronto. But British immigration rules reportedly prevented him from bringing her to the United Kingdom. According to Elsheikh’s family, he returned to London angry at the British government for denying his wife entry.Jane Bradley, “My Son The ISIS Executioner,” BuzzFeed News, May 23, 2016, https://www.buzzfeed.com/janebradley/my-son-the-isis-executioner?utm_term=.kb7mpRRLJb#.euJoZRRaXD.

In 2011, Elsheikh befriended an Eritrean man whose father promoted Islamist propaganda. Elsheikh’s mother reportedly warned the pair to stay away from her son. But Elsheikh soon after began listening to recordings of U.N.-designated Islamist preacher Hani al-Sibai, who maintains freedom of movement in London. Within three weeks, Elsheikh changed his behavior and style of dress to conform with al-Sibai’s teachings.James Fielding, Sarah White, and Rod Ardehali, “‘The fact he's still alive will be a big relief’: Mother of ISIS Beatle suicide squad member is COMFORTED by his capture in Syria as his father admits: ‘We don't know what will happen to our son,’” Daily Mail (London), February 9, 2018, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5372765/Mother-ISIS-Beatle-COMFORTED-capture.html#ixzz56vm9EInH; Jane Bradley, “My Son The ISIS Executioner,” BuzzFeed News, May 23, 2016, https://www.buzzfeed.com/janebradley/my-son-the-isis-executioner?utm_term=.kb7mpRRLJb#.euJoZRRaXD.

In April 2012, Elsheikh’s mother traveled to visit family in Sudan to seek advice on how to handle her son’s radicalization. Elsheikh was supposed to pick her up from the airport upon her return to London. Instead, Elsheikh’s younger brother, Mahmoud, picked her up and reported that Elsheikh had gone to Syria.Jane Bradley, “My Son The ISIS Executioner,” BuzzFeed News, May 23, 2016, https://www.buzzfeed.com/janebradley/my-son-the-isis-executioner?utm_term=.kb7mpRRLJb#.euJoZRRaXD. Elsheikh joined al-Qaeda’s affiliate in Syria and then later joined ISIS.“State Department Terrorist Designations of El Shafee Elsheikh, Anjem Choudary, Sami Bouras, Shane Dominic Crawford, and Mark John Taylor,” U.S. Department of State, March 30, 2017, https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2017/03/269306.htm.

In ISIS, Elsheikh joined with Emwazi, Kotey, and Davis to form the cell labeled The Beatles by hostages because of their British accents. A joint investigation by the Washington Post and BuzzFeed News identified Elsheikh as a member of The Beatles in May 2016. A former U.S. counterterrorism official confirmed his identity.Adam Goldman and Souad Mekhennet, “‘That is not the son I raised’: How a British citizen became one of the most notorious members of ISIS,” Washington Post, May 23, 2016, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/that-is-not-the-son-i-raised-how-a-british-citizen-became-one-of-the-most-notorious-members-of-isis/2016/05/23/6d66276c-1cfd-11e6-b6e0-c53b7ef63b45_story.html?utm_term=.3125a25e6b63. According to freed ISIS hostages, The Beatles were among the more brutal of ISIS’s guards. Didier Francois—a French journalist held prisoner by The Beatles for 10 months—told CNN that The Beatles would regularly stage fake executions after telling captives they were to be beheaded.Mick Krever, “ISIS captors cared little about religion, says former hostage,” CNN, February 4, 2015, http://edition.cnn.com/2015/02/03/intl_world/amanpour-didier-francois/index.html?sr=fb020315isisquran4pVODtopVideo. According to the U.S. Department of State, Elsheikh had a reputation for waterboarding, mock executions, and crucifixions.“State Department Terrorist Designations of El Shafee Elsheikh, Anjem Choudary, Sami Bouras, Shane Dominic Crawford, and Mark John Taylor,” U.S. Department of State, March 30, 2017, https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2017/03/269306.htm.

Kurdish fighters from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) captured Kotey and Elsheikh in Syria in February 2018. The U.S. government confirmed their capture and aided in their interrogation.Mark Hosenball and Idrees Ali, “Syrian Kurds capture two British Islamic State militants: U.S. officials,” Reuters, February 8, 2018, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-britain/syrian-kurds-capture-two-british-islamic-state-militants-u-s-officials-idUSKBN1FS34Q. The British government has called for Kotey and Elsheikh’s extradition for trial in the United Kingdom.Mark Townsend, “Calls grow for Isis ‘Beatles’ to face UK trial,” Guardian (London), February 11, 2008, https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/feb/11/calls-grow-isis-beatles-uk-trial-lord-carlile. Emwazi was killed in a November 2015 U.S. airstrike in Syria,Dana Ford and Steve Almasy, “ISIS confirms death of ‘Jihadi John,’” CNN, January 20, 2016, http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/19/middleeast/jihadi-john-dead/. and Davis was arrested in Turkey that same month.Tom Wyke, “Jihadi John ‘associate’ believed to be one of the British prison guards nicknamed ‘The Beatles’ is held in Turkey,” Daily Mail (London), November 13, 2015, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3317560/Turkish-authorities-detain-London-petty-drug-dealer-turned-Jihadi-John-associate-Aine-Davis.html.

Elsheikh’s younger brother, Mahmoud, had joined him in Syria and died fighting on behalf of ISIS in Tikrit, Iraq, in 2015. Their mother reportedly said she was comforted by El Shafee’s capture because she knew he wouldn’t die as a jihadist like his brother.Jane Bradley, “My Son The ISIS Executioner,” BuzzFeed News, May 23, 2016, https://www.buzzfeed.com/janebradley/my-son-the-isis-executioner?utm_term=.kb7mpRRLJb#.euJoZRRaXD; James Fielding, Sarah White, and Rod Ardehali, “‘The fact he's still alive will be a big relief’: Mother of ISIS Beatle suicide squad member is COMFORTED by his capture in Syria as his father admits: ‘We don't know what will happen to our son,’” Daily Mail (London), February 9, 2018, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5372765/Mother-ISIS-Beatle-COMFORTED-capture.html#ixzz56vm9EInH.

British investigators claimed in July 2019 they had enough evidence to prosecute Elsheikh and Kotey. The two were accused of belonging to an ISIS cell, with charges against Elsheikh also including membership in a banned terrorist organization. The U.S. government stated it would also seek to put both men on trial in the United States.Dominic Casciani, Islamic State 'Beatles' El Shafee Elsheikh and Alexanda Kotey could be tried in UK,” BBC News, July 30, 2019, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-49170646.

On October 10, 2019, Elsheikh and Kotey were taken out of Syria by the U.S. military and transferred to a secure location in Iraq. Both remain in the custody of the American military. According to U.S. President Donald Trump, the two were removed from a prison run by Kurdish militia in northern Syria in an effort to transfer “some of the most dangerous IS fighters” in the region. The move came amid fears that the two would escape custody following U.S. withdrawal from the region and Turkish invasion into the Kurdish-held territory.“British IS fighters taken into US custody, says Trump,” BBC News, October 10, 2019, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-49995909.

On September 22, 2020, the British government provided the United States with evidence against Elsheikh and Kotey, clearing the way for a trial. The United Kingdom originally prevented the transfer of evidence due to a legal fight over the use of the death penalty. However, the U.S. government made it clear that if Elsheikh and Kotey were found guilty, they would not be executed.“UK sends US evidence on Islamic State 'Beatles',” BBC News, September 23, 2020, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-54255869; Charlie Savage, “British Give U.S. Evidence Against ISIS ‘Beatles,’ Clearing Way for Trial,” New York Times, September 22, 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/22/us/politics/isis-beatles.html.

Two U.S. government officials revealed in early October 2020, that Kotey and Elsheikh would be brought to the United States from Iraq in mid-October to face charges in a federal court. The U.S. government accused Kotey and Elsheikh of taking part in the kidnappings of international hostages and in the killing of over 27 people. Despite claiming no involvement in or advance knowledge of executions, in an interview obtained by NBC that aired in July 2020, Kotey and Elsheikh admitted their involvement in the captivity and torture of hostages.“ISIS terrorists known as the 'Beatles' likely to be brought to U.S. in coming days,” NBC News, October 6, 2020, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/isis-terrorists-known-beatles-likely-be-brought-u-s-coming-n1242176; Ryan Lucas, “DOJ To Charge 2 British ISIS Militants Accused Of Role In Killing U.S. Hostages,” NPR, October 6, 2020, https://www.npr.org/2020/10/06/920444181/doj-to-charge-2-british-isis-militants-accused-of-role-in-killing-u-s-hostages; Rachel Weiner and Ellen Nakashima, “Two ISIS militants charged in deaths of James Foley and other American hostages in Syria,” Washington Post, October 7, 2020, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/isis-hostages-beheadings-miltants-charged/2020/10/07/69762ef2-089b-11eb-859b-f9c27abe638d_story.html.

On October 7, 2020, Kotey and Elsheikh were flown to the United States from Iraq to be prosecuted in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, on charges of hostage taking resulting in death, conspiracy to murder U.S. citizens outside the United States, conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign organization, and related conspiracy charges.Rachel Weiner and Ellen Nakashima, “Two ISIS militants charged in deaths of James Foley and other American hostages in Syria,” Washington Post, October 7, 2020, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/isis-hostages-beheadings-miltants-charged/2020/10/07/69762ef2-089b-11eb-859b-f9c27abe638d_story.html.

In an October 1, 2021, court filing, Elsheikh’s defense attorneys demanded that video and other materials from an August 2019 Washington Post interview with Elsheikh be issued before his scheduled trial in January 2022. Elsheikh’s lawyers alleged the material would substantiate Elsheikh’s claims that he was previously tortured while detained by the SDF. The Washington Post published the entirety of the 2019 interview on October 22, 2021, but the footage did not reiterate Elsheikh’s claims of torture while in SDF detention. However, in the interview, Elsheikh did elaborate on his role in interacting with ISIS hostages. Elsheikh claimed he was mainly tasked with finding out the email addresses and contact information of hostages. Elsheikh alleged he was not involved in interrogating the hostages, but conceded, that they were not “pampered. They were prisoners in a Salafi-Jihadi environment by young people who didn’t necessarily understand the law of their religion. So I’m sure what they would have experienced from the guards in prison would have been harsh treatment.”Paul Duggan, “Washington Post publishes full interview with ISIS militant linked to killings of Western hostages,” Washington Post, October 22, 2021, https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/legal-issues/islamic-state-militant-interview/2021/10/22/c3411fc6-30ce-11ec-93e2-dba2c2c11851_story.html.

Elsheikh’s federal trial in Virginia began on March 30, 2022. During the trial, Elsheikh’s attorney claimed he was just a foot soldier for ISIS, but based on testimonies of former hostages, it was revealed that Elsheikh took pleasure in brutally mistreating those he held captive.“US trial for member of Islamic State group begins in Virginia,” Guardian, March 30, 2022, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/mar/30/the-beatles-trial-isis-terror-group-virginia. On April 14, 2022, a federal jury in Virginia found Elsheikh guilty on eight charges, including four counts of hostage-taking resulting in death, murder conspiracy, and conspiracy to provide material support to a terrorist organization.“El Shafee Elsheikh: IS 'Beatle' found guilty of hostage-taking and conspiring to murder journalists and aid workers,” Sky News, April 14, 2022, https://news.sky.com/story/el-shafee-elsheikh-is-beatle-found-guilty-of-hostage-taking-and-conspiring-to-murder-journalists-and-aid-workers-12589377. Although Elsheikh was not accused of carrying out the killing of American hostages James Foley, Peter Kassig, Kayla Mueller, and Steven Sotloff, Elsheikh was charged with participating in the kidnapping and torture that led to the murder of the hostages. During the trial, prosecutors stated that while Foley, Kassig, and Sotloff were beheaded by the ISIS members, Mueller—who ISIS originally claimed was killed in a 2015 airstrike in Syria—was believed to be killed by ISIS after being enslaved and sexually abused by the terrorist group for a year and a half. Elsheikh faces a life sentence.Gillian Morley, “El Shafee Elsheikh, British ISIS member, convicted on all counts for deadly kidnapping plot,” CBS News, April 14, 2022, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/isis-el-shafee-elsheikh-verdict/.

Elsheikh was present in the courtroom during Kotey’s April 29, 2022, sentencing so he could hear statements from the victims’ families. Kotey was sentenced to life in prison. At one point during the hearing, Elsheikh reportedly closed his eyes, leading Shirley Sotloff, Steven Sotloff’s mother, to reprimand him and demand he look at her.“Alexanda Kotey: IS ‘Beatle’ sentenced to life in US for murders in Syria,” BBC News, April 29, 2022, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-61274332. On August 19, 2022, Elsheikh was sentenced to life in prison without parole. District Court Judge T.S. Ellis called Elsheikh’s behavior “horrific, barbaric, brutal and of course criminal.”Kanishka Singh, “Islamic State militant gets life in U.S. prison over killing of American hostages,” Reuters, August 19, 2022, https://www.reuters.com/legal/islamic-state-cell-member-faces-us-sentencing-beheadings-2022-08-19/.

Zulfi Hoxha is an American senior commander in ISIS. He has also appeared in at least one propaganda video for the group. Before joining ISIS, Hoxha communicated with other American ISIS supporters on social media, who helped fund his travel to Syria. He departed for Syria in April 2015 and became a foreign fighter for ISIS.Seamus Hughes et al., “A New American Leader Rises in ISIS,” Atlantic, January 13, 2018, https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2018/01/isis-america-hoxha/550508/.

Hoxha was born in the United States to Albanian parents. He grew up in Margate, New Jersey, and graduated from Atlantic City High School in 2010.Craig R. McCoy et al., “From Atlantic City High to ISIS: the path of a homegrown terrorist,” Philadelphia Inquirer, January 19, 2018, http://www.philly.com/philly/news/nation_world/american-isis-commander-atlantic-city-margate-zulfi-hoxha-2-20180119.html. According to his mother, he attended a mosque, where he may have been radicalized.Ariel Zilber, “‘Liberate yourself from hellfire by killing a non-believer’: Terrorist seen executing a prisoner in vile ISIS propaganda video and urging lone wolf attacks in the US is a New Jersey high school graduate,” Daily Mail (London), January 19, 2018, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5290151/ISIS-soldier-seen-beheading-video-American.html.

Hoxha was active on social media before his departure for Syria. He reportedly operated a Twitter account on which he interacted with other ISIS supporters as well as the U.S. State Department’s “Think Again Turn Away” counter-propaganda account in October 2014. He was also active on the video gaming website Steam, where he reportedly first interacted with David Daoud Wright, a U.S.-born ISIS supporter who plotted to carry out a domestic terror attack, sometime before November 2014. Hoxha and Wright discussed their support for ISIS on Skype and the messaging app Paltalk, where they participated in pro-ISIS chatrooms and shared ISIS propaganda materials with each other, including execution videos and the magazine Dabiq. Wright and his uncle Usaamah Abdullah Rahim––who was later shot and killed by law enforcement officers after he tried to attack them with a large knife––sold a laptop on Craigslist to help Hoxha raise money for the plane ticket that he would use to travel overseas to join ISIS.Seamus Hughes et al., “A New American Leader Rises in ISIS,” Atlantic, January 13, 2018, https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2018/01/isis-america-hoxha/550508/.

Hoxha departed the United States for Istanbul, Turkey, on April 6, 2015. By April 10, he had arrived at an ISIS training camp in Syria. Hoxha informed Rahim of his arrival in ISIS territory through an encrypted messaging app. After Hoxha began training, Rahim continued to receive updates on his activities from British ISIS facilitator Junaid Hussain.Seamus Hughes et al., “A New American Leader Rises in ISIS,” Atlantic, January 13, 2018, https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2018/01/isis-america-hoxha/550508/. According to U.S. law enforcement, Hoxha was a senior ISIS commander as of 2017.Seamus Hughes et al., “A New American Leader Rises in ISIS,” Atlantic, January 13, 2018, https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2018/01/isis-america-hoxha/550508/.

Hoxha has also represented ISIS in the group’s propaganda videos. In May 2017, Hoxha appeared in an ISIS propaganda video filmed in northwestern Iraq entitled “We Will Surely Guide Them To Our Ways.” In the video, masked and using the name “Abu Hamza al-Amriki,” Hoxha calls upon supporters to carry out domestic terror attacks within the United States. Hoxha’s identity in the video was confirmed by the the U.S. government.Seamus Hughes et al., “A New American Leader Rises in ISIS,” Atlantic, January 13, 2018, https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2018/01/isis-america-hoxha/550508/. Another ISIS propaganda video released in October 2015 shows an American ISIS fighter beheading a Kurdish soldier. According to the Atlantic, the American speaks with “the same accent and inflection as Hoxha in the May 2017 release.”Seamus Hughes et al., “A New American Leader Rises in ISIS,” Atlantic, January 13, 2018, https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2018/01/isis-america-hoxha/550508/.

John Georgelas is an American convert to Islam who traveled to Syria to fight for ISIS in 2013 and became “the most important and prominent American” in the group, according to Graeme Wood, writing for the Atlantic.Graeme Wood, “The American Climbing the Ranks of ISIS,” Atlantic, updated January 25, 2017, https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/03/the-american-leader-in-the-islamic-state/510872/; Graeme Wood, “The American Climbing the Ranks of ISIS: An Update,” Atlantic, December 16, 2016, https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2016/12/american-leader-islamic-state-update/510998/. Before joining ISIS, he amassed a following from his extensive scholarly writings on jihadist subjects, which he published online. Reportedly close to members of ISIS’s leadership, including former ISIS spokesperson Abu Muhammad al-Adnani, Georgelas allegedly pushed ISIS to declare a caliphate in 2014. Since then, he has become ISIS’s “leading producer of high-end English-language propaganda,” according to the Atlantic, appearing on the group’s Al Bayan radio station and contributing to its English-language magazines, Dabiq and Rumiyah.Graeme Wood, “The American Climbing the Ranks of ISIS,” Atlantic, updated January 25, 2017, https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/03/the-american-leader-in-the-islamic-state/510872/.

Georgelas was born in December 1983 to an upper-middle-class family in Plano, Texas, although his family moved several times during his childhood because of his father’s military assignments. At eleven years old, he reportedly became interested in religion and joined the Greek Orthodox Church. According to his family, he was a troublemaker in school and drug user. His academic performance was poor, although he graduated from high school and briefly attended community college.Graeme Wood, “The American Climbing the Ranks of ISIS,” Atlantic, updated January 25, 2017, https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/03/the-american-leader-in-the-islamic-state/510872/.

In November 2001, Georgelas converted to Islam and adopted the name Yahya. One month later, he traveled to Damascus, Syria, to study Arabic. While there, he met some British Muslims who introduced him to jihadism.Graeme Wood, “The American Climbing the Ranks of ISIS,” Atlantic, updated January 25, 2017, https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/03/the-american-leader-in-the-islamic-state/510872/. In March 2003, Georgelas flew to London to meet a Muslim woman named Tania Choudhury with whom he had been communicating online.Graeme Wood, “The American Climbing the Ranks of ISIS,” Atlantic, updated January 25, 2017, https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/03/the-american-leader-in-the-islamic-state/510872/; Barbara Davies, “Has the British beauty who fled her ISIS leader husband for Texas REALLY cut all ties with one of the world's most wanted terrorists?” Daily Mail (London), January 13, 2017, http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4118570/Has-British-beauty-fled-ISIS-leader-husband-Texas-REALLY-cut-ties-one-world-s-wanted-terrorists.html. They married days later and settled together in College Station, Texas. The couple also spent time living in Syria, London, and California, throughout the following year. During this time, Georgelas became obsessed with studying and writing about Islamic history, theology, and jihad.Graeme Wood, “The American Climbing the Ranks of ISIS,” Atlantic, updated January 25, 2017, https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/03/the-american-leader-in-the-islamic-state/510872/.

Georgelas and his wife moved from California back to Texas, where he began working as a data technician at Rackspace. In his spare time, he reportedly frequented jihadist forums online. Around 2006, he reportedly intended to travel to Iraq to wage jihad against American forces, but these plans were thwarted after he attempted to hack the website of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee—a client of Rackspace—on April 8, 2006.Graeme Wood, “The American Climbing the Ranks of ISIS,” Atlantic, updated January 25, 2017, https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/03/the-american-leader-in-the-islamic-state/510872/.  The FBI arrested Georgelas on April 14 for intentionally accessing a protected computer without authorization. He pled guilty and was sentenced to 34 months in prison in August.“Former Data Technician at Local Internet Hosting Company and Self-Admitted Supporter of Pro-Jihad Website Sentenced to 34 Months for Attempting to Cause Damage to a Protected Computer,” U.S. Department of Justice, August 15, 2006, https://www.justice.gov/archive/usao/txn/PressRel06/georgelas_john_sen_pr.html; Graeme Wood, “The American Climbing the Ranks of ISIS,” Atlantic, updated January 25, 2017, https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/03/the-american-leader-in-the-islamic-state/510872/.

Following his release from prison, Georgelas remained under parole until October 2011 and worked as an IT specialist. After his parole expired, he moved to Cairo, Egypt, with his wife and children, where he made a living translating the fatwas of Qatari religious scholars. Georgelas began to amass a global following of extremists who admired his scholarly work, which he promoted online. He operated a website focused on Dhahirism––a semi-obscure literalist form of Islam––where he regularly published his own and others’ extremist rhetoric and held online seminars. According to an acquaintance, he was one of the strongest “pre-ISIS pro-caliphate voices.”Graeme Wood, “The American Climbing the Ranks of ISIS,” Atlantic, updated January 25, 2017, https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/03/the-american-leader-in-the-islamic-state/510872/.

In August 2013, Georgelas moved his wife and children to Azaz, Syria, in the midst of the country’s civil war. After a month, his family left Georgelas permanently to return to the United States. Following their departure, Georgelas trained with an ISIS-affiliated group near Aleppo, then participated in combat. However, he was severely injured by a mortar blast in April 2014, which left him unable to walk for some time. While recovering, Georgelas continued to update his website and became active on social media, where he posted pro-ISIS content. Georgelas was reportedly close with members of ISIS’s leadership, including former spokesperson and second-highest ranking ISIS leader Abu Muhammad al-Adnani. Georgelas reportedly pressed Adnani to pressure ISIS emir Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi to declare a caliphate. Once ISIS publicly declared its caliphate in June 2014, Georgelas pledged his allegiance to Baghdadi.Graeme Wood, “The American Climbing the Ranks of ISIS,” Atlantic, updated January 25, 2017, https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/03/the-american-leader-in-the-islamic-state/510872/.

Georgelas was taken prisoner by the Free Syrian Army, but was eventually released after he reportedly feigned cooperation. In 2015, he traveled to ISIS’s de facto capital of Raqqa, where he was accepted as a scholar and spokesman for the group. Georgelas was first heard on ISIS’s Al Bayan radio station in December 2015, and in April 2016, wrote an article titled “Kill the Imams of Kufr [Disbelief] in the West” for ISIS’s English-language propaganda magazine, Dabiq.Graeme Wood, “The American Climbing the Ranks of ISIS,” Atlantic, updated January 25, 2017, https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/03/the-american-leader-in-the-islamic-state/510872/.  Georgelas has since written extensively for both Dabiq and its successor, Rumiyah.

In December 2016, four months after Adnani was killed in a drone strike, ISIS named its new spokesperson as “Abu al-Hassan al-Mujahir”––a name similar to a known alias of Georgelas’s, Abu Hassan al-Mujahir. Although the Atlantic speculated that Georgelas might be the new spokesperson, there has been no further evidence to suggest this possibility. Nonetheless, the Atlantic asserts that Georgelas remains the “most important and prominent American” in ISIS.Graeme Wood, “The American Climbing the Ranks of ISIS,” Atlantic, updated January 25, 2017, https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/03/the-american-leader-in-the-islamic-state/510872/.