The U.S. Department of Justice has made a significant arrest, apprehending a dual citizen of the United States and Albania, who stands accused of attempting to provide material support to the notorious terrorist organization, ISIS.
This arrest has been made amidst growing apprehensions about potential terrorist activities on American soil.
Erald Alimehmeti, a 33-year-old man, was taken into custody in New York last Thursday for allegedly trying to disseminate instructions on bomb-making to ISIS operatives, as reported by RedState. Prior to relocating to Albania in 2014, Alimehmeti resided in the Bronx, where he had several run-ins with the law. The Justice Department stated, Alimehmeti was arrested by Albanian authorities and imprisoned in late 2015 to 2019 and again from late 2020 to 2022 for weapons and assault offenses.
Alimehmeti is alleged to have utilized encrypted messaging platforms and social media to facilitate attacks, recruit operatives, and procure equipment for the terrorist group. He demonstrated a preference for tactical gear and firearms, and even made references to DC sniper-style" attacks. In his interactions with confidential sources, Alimehmeti inquired, Do you know sniping akhi? The formulas and ballistics? He also requested specific models of vests capable of holding ballistic plates, magazine pouches, and "knives," describing these as tactical equipment and gear for training and operations in support of ISIS.
The DOJ press release also revealed that Alimehmeti regularly posted ISIS propaganda on social media, lauding the organizations leaders and disseminating videos and publications. His posts included praise for ISIS propagandist Shaykh ul-Haqq Musa Cerantonio and high-ranking al Qaeda official Abu Yahya al-Libi. Furthermore, Alimehmeti posted numerous links and downloadable documents on an encrypted messaging channel, covering topics such as explosives-making, firearms-handling, defensive tactics, and outdoor survival, while encouraging the use of these resources.
Alimehmeti now faces two federal charges: Attempting to provide material support to ISIS and distributing information on explosives for violent crimes. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
This arrest follows closely on the heels of the FBI's apprehension of Anas Said, a 28-year-old Houston resident, also accused of attempting to provide material support to ISIS and planning terrorist attacks on American soil. Said confessed to researching methods to execute attacks and offered his apartment as a base for ISIS terrorists. He even bragged about his readiness to execute a 9/11-style attack.
This series of events has heightened concerns about the possibility of an ISIS-K attack on American soil, particularly in the wake of the group's involvement in the horrific massacre at a Moscow concert hall on March 22. Retired Gen. Frank McKenzie warned that the organization harbors a strong desire to kill Americans in the U.S. and Europe, and ominously predicted that an attack is inevitable given the groups expanding presence in the U.S.
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