A Kenyan man, Cholo Abdi Abdullah, was found guilty by a federal jury in Manhattan for planning a 9/11-style attack on a U.S. building on behalf of the terrorist group al-Shabab. Abdullah, who represented himself during the trial, now faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced next March.
According to court documents, Abdullah had been plotting the attack for four years, undergoing training in explosives and covert operations. He had also started training as a commercial pilot in the Philippines before being arrested in 2019 on local charges and later transferred to U.S. authorities for terrorism-related crimes.
During the trial, prosecutors revealed that Abdullah had researched how to breach a cockpit door and information about the tallest building in a major U.S. city. The State Department had previously designated al-Shabab as a foreign terrorist organization in 2008. Al-Shabab, an al Qaeda affiliate, has been fighting to establish an Islamic state in Somalia based on Shariah law.
Abdullah’s decision to remain passive during the trial, not opposing the prosecution, and accepting the outcome as he deemed the legal system illegitimate, raised questions about his motives. Lawyers appointed to assist Abdullah did not provide any comments on the case.
The conviction of Abdullah sheds light on the ongoing threat of terrorism posed by groups like al-Shabab, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and security measures to prevent such attacks. The case also highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating terrorism and prosecuting individuals involved in planning and executing terrorist activities.
As the sentencing of Abdullah approaches, the authorities will be closely monitoring the situation to ensure that justice is served and that the safety and security of the public are maintained. It serves as a reminder that terrorism remains a significant global challenge that requires a coordinated and comprehensive approach to address effectively.
