December 2015 – Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.)

Thailand: Pakistan Christian Refugee Dies in Immigration Detention Center, Waiting for UNHCR

As the eyes of the world have remained focused on global refugee problems, the plight of Pakistan Christian refugees in Thailand is ignored by most of the major news media. Pakistan Christians have fled to Thailand to escape Pakistan religious persecution, violence, attacks, threats, and spurious charges of “blasphemy” (which often results in extra-judicial attacks).

Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) has been regularly communicating with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Thailand Office, UNHCR HQ, Thailand government, the U.S. Embassy, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) since early 2015 on a regular basis on this issue. We have provided them with facts, figures, statistics, laws, regulations, case histories, and extensive details to justify their need for action. But too often, the needs of Pakistan Christian refugees are being ignored, and they are left in dire and desperate condition, many arrested and left in Thailand Immigration Detention Centres (IDC), while the UNHCR puts them on a waiting list to be interviewed. They desperately need help, funds, medical care, food, and support. This remains a major human rights crisis. Groups such as the Pakistan British Christian Association (PBCA) have on the ground support in Thailand to help such Pakistan Christians, and they need your help but the need is more than what NGOs alone can perform. We need real action by the UNHCR.

Another Pakistan Christian refugee died while waiting for action, and while languishing in the IDC jail. R.E.A.L. has received the following report on the night of December 30, 2015, from our contact in Thailand. “I want to share the sad demise of Sanina, wife of Faisal Masih; mother of two years old son, who was kept in IDC, Bangkok, Thailand. She was arrested by Thai police on December 20, 2015. No one knows the reason of her death. Her husband was told over phone by UNHCR, Bangkok, to control his emotions and get ready to hear a sad news. Earlier Sanina gave birth to a premature girl, who could not survive. Just consider, the condition of the father, who has just a two years old son, and no one around to support him at this hour of need.”

Another contact in Thailand states: “She was sick in Immigration Detention Center (IDC) on 24 December 2015. UNHCR had delayed two times her interview already. Nobody knew about her sickness except UNHCR AND IDC.”

Our contact in Thailand states: “As you remember that Immigration police raids and arrest men, women, children, young and old. They have no mercy for anyone and the conditions in Immigration Detention Centre (IDC) cannot be explained. The worse part of IDC is that there’s no proper standard of living. People live a miserable life there; they don’t get any proper food or medical help for critically sick people, nor enough space is there even to sleep. Men and women are kept separately and children have no access to their parents, no matter how old they are. They are kept in separate cells.” “There are many heart breaking stories where the family members had become critically sick and the other family members couldn’t do much to save their family members.” “UNHCR is not supporting for medical assistance. I don’t have enough words to express the miseries of Pakistani Christians facing persecution on the hands of human rights protectors UNHCR office , Thailand. There is no one to raise voice against such brutality and inhuman behavior against Pakistani Christians in Bangkok, Thailand.”

Dr. Nazir Bhatti of the Pakistan Christian Congress has stated: “The shocking news of death of Sanina Faisal Masih in Immigration Detention Center IDC Bangkok have saddened Pakistani Christians; It is time to express unity to prevent such sad incident and to resolve issues of Pakistani Christian Asylum seekers: PCC is with leaders of our community in Bangkok to respond accordingly: We are waiting for their decision in this horrifying death of Christian refugee in IDC.”

R.E.A.L. extends its sympathies to the family of Sanina Faisal Masih and shares the outrage of Pakistan Christian refugees and also those with a conscience on human rights on this matter.

R.E.A.L. stands with the Pakistan Christian refugees and their plight, and we continue to aggressively seek changes with the UNHCR, the Thailand government, and the U.S. government for their support. Most of what R.E.A.L. has written on this is private communications on individual refugee cases. But R.E.A.L. has seen a series of common trends, which need to change.

Pakistan Christian refugees to Thailand are being held to a different standard than other refugees around the world. There is too often an attempt to find a reason to deny the refugee status instead of finding a way to help such refugees. This is contrary to the rules of the UNHCR Resettlement Handbook.
Pakistan Christian refugees in Thailand face persecution by immigration detention authorities and those involved in sweeping arrests may have to wait protracted periods for a UNHCR interview. The overall UNHCR process is slow and denies all such refugees a reasonable chance at resettlement due to the extensive delays in processing.
Pakistan Christian refugees who do not speak English, and who have been targets of anti-human rights “Islamic blasphemy” charges in Pakistan are being interviewed by Pakistan Muslim UNHCR representatives who speak Urdu. Not surprisingly, such Pakistan Christian refugees are naturally intimidated and fearful to address that aspect of the details of threats against them.
R.E.A.L. has noticed cases where actual violence, murder, and injuries somehow translate into decisions where there is “not a reasonable threat of violence” to the Pakistan Christian refugee, which in contrary to logic and contrary to the UNHCR Resettlement Handbook. In the UNHCR Resettlement Handbook, Chapter 6, Resettlement Submission Categories, Section 6.3.2, page 251, the UNHCR uses the definition of violence from the World Health Organization: “Violence is the intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual, against oneself, another person, or against a group or community, which either results in or has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm, maldevelopment, or deprivation.”
R.E.A.L. has regularly noticed cases where excessive evidentiary requirements are being asked by UNHCR Thailand of Pakistan Christian refugees, which does not confirm to UNHCR regulations. UNHCR Resettlement Handbook Paragraph 196 states: “Often, however, an applicant may not be able to support his statements by documentary or other proof, and cases in which an applicant can provide evidence of all his statements will be the exception rather than the rule. In most cases a person fleeing from persecution will have arrived with the barest necessities and very frequently even without personal documents. Thus, while the burden of proof in principle rests on the applicant, the duty to ascertain and evaluate all the relevant facts is shared between the applicant and the examiner. Indeed, in some cases, it may be for the examiner to use all the means at his disposal to produce the necessary evidence in support of the application. Even such independent research may not, however, always be successful and there may also be statements that are not susceptible of proof. In such cases, if the applicant’s account appears credible, he should, unless there are good reasons to the contrary, be given the benefit of the doubt.” UNHCR Resettlement Handbook Paragraph 197 states “The requirement of evidence should thus not be too strictly applied in view of the difficulty of proof inherent in the special situation in which an applicant for refugee status finds himself.”
R.E.A.L. has noticed many cases of Pakistan Christian refugees where the UNHCR Thailand has not exercised giving the “benefit of the doubt” on issues that one would typically give to fleeing refugees. In the UNHCR Resettlement Handbook Section B(2) “Benefit of the Doubt of this Handbook,” Paragraph 203 states: “After the applicant has made a genuine effort to substantiate his story there may still be a lack of evidence for some of his statements. As explained above (see Paragraph 196), it is hardly possible for a refugee to ‘prove’ every part of his case and, indeed, if this were a requirement the majority of refugees would not be recognized. It is therefore frequently necessary to give the applicant the benefit of the doubt.”
R.E.A.L. has noticed numerous cases of Pakistan Christian refugees where the UNHCR Thailand is not considering the conditions of the country of the refugee applicant, contrary to the UNHCR Resettlement Handbook rules. The UNHCR Resettlement Handbook Paragraph 42 specifically states that: “The competent authorities that are called upon to determine refugee status are not required to pass judgement on conditions in the applicant’s country of origin. The applicant’s statements cannot, however, be considered in the abstract, and must be viewed in the context of the relevant background situation. A knowledge of conditions in the applicant’s country of origin –while not a primary objective – is an important element in assessing the applicant’s credibility. In general, the applicant’s fear should be considered well-founded if he can establish, to a reasonable degree, that his continued stay in his country of origin has become intolerable to him for the reasons stated in the definition, or would for the same reasons be intolerable if he returned there.” In addition, the UNHCR Resettlement Handbook Paragraph 43 also specifically states: “These considerations need not necessarily be based on the applicant’s own personal experience. What, for example, happened to his friends and relatives and other members of the same racial or social group may well show that his fear that sooner or later he also will become a victim of persecution is well-founded. The laws of the country of origin, and particularly the manner in which they are applied, will be relevant.”
R.E.A.L. has direct knowledge that the UNHCR Thailand office is aware of these conditions, as R.E.A.L. has directly provided such background information to the UNHCR Thailand office. R.E.A.L. provided such information to the UNHCR Thailand office on April 13, 2015, by email, including a spreadsheet of the attacks and persecution on Pakistan Christians to that time. On April 13, 2015, R.E.A.L. also provided information from other international organizations, including a study by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). On October 30, 2015, R.E.A.L. provided the UNHCR Thailand office another updated study on the conditions of Pakistan Christians and religious minorities by the USCIRF from July 2015. On November 3, 2015, R.E.A.L. provided the UNHCR Thailand office another study dated October 14, 2015, from the U.S. Department of State on the conditions of Pakistan Christian minorities. On December 22, 2015, R.E.A.L. provided the UNHCR Thailand office the November 2015 issue of International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), which the UNHCR Thailand office follows on Twitter, where the ICJ issued a 60-page report entitled “On Trial: the Implementation of Pakistan’s Blasphemy Laws.” The November 2015 ICJ report states (page 7), “Individuals accused of blasphemy continue to be vulnerable even after formally coming within the ambit of the criminal justice system. In many cases, blasphemy accused awaiting trial or serving sentences following convictions have been assaulted while held in custody and authorities have failed to protect them. Some have even been killed. In a few cases, police officials themselves have reportedly been the perpetrators.”
Regarding the conditions within Pakistan for Pakistan Christians and the “blasphemy” law, R.E.A.L. provided the UNHCR Thailand office on December 22, 2015, excerpts from the November 2015 ICJ report, which refers to United Nations’ studies on this topic. It is clear that United Nations did see such a threat to Pakistan Christians with the refugees country of origin, as early as 2012. The November 2015 ICJ report states that: “The UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers, for example, following a mission to Pakistan in 2012, found that ‘These laws serve the vested interests of extremist religious groups and are not only contrary to the Constitution of Pakistan, but also to international human rights norms, in particular those relating to non- discrimination and freedom of expression and opinion.’ (Report of the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, Gabriela Knaul, 2012, UN Doc.A/HRC/23/43/Add.2, para 57, p. 13).” On page 13 of this referenced United Nations report, it also states: “the blasphemy laws are abused to target Christians.” As the United Nations has reported in its “Report of the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, Gabriela Knaul, 2012, UN Doc.A/HRC/23/43/Add.2,” informality of such “blasphemy” charges and actual details about such charges, are typically contrary to widely practiced criminal law procedures in other parts of the world. As the United Nations states in its own report on this subject: “Reports of conflicts being resolved by informal justice systems, often at the grass-root or community level are distressing. Such informal dispute settlement systems are deeply rooted in conservative interpretations of tradition and/or religion and lead to conflict resolution and punishments which are in contradiction with laws in Pakistan, fundamental rights recognized in the Constitution, and international human rights standards.” (paragraph 82, page 16). Furthermore, the United Nations also reports that “Laws that are ambiguous can be applied in an arbitrary and discriminatory manner and impede the proper administration of justice.” (paragraph 60, page 13), and indicates this human rights crisis is further exacerbated by “the poor quality of investigations carried out by police services.” (paragraph 74, page 15). In this same report, the United Nations also states that “117. Blasphemy laws, Hudood Ordinances, and anti-Ahmadi laws, as well as any other discriminatory legal provision, should be repealed and replaced with provisions in conformity with Pakistan’s Constitution and the international human rights law instruments to which Pakistan is a party.”

R.E.A.L. believes to effectively honor the loss of such Pakistan Christian refugee victims as Sanina Faisal Masih, we must also concretely and specifically challenge the institutional and systemic failure to effectively support Pakistan Christian refugees who have fled to Thailand. We urge the UNHCR Thailand office to follow the UNHCR Resettlement Handbook guidelines, spirit, and intent, and we urge the High Commissioner to see that this is happening. We urge the government of Thailand, which itself has been a target of extremist violence, to show mercy to Pakistan Christian refugees fleeing from such extremists. We urge the United States government to use it influence with the UNHCR and the Thailand government to show mercy, respect, and care for the tragic conditions of these Pakistan Christian refugees. We urge the international Christian community to find resources and priorities to significantly assist these Pakistan Christian refugees, who are currently being helped by a handful of NGOs and individuals.

R.E.A.L. is continuing our communications with the UNHCR Thailand, other UNHCR offices, and U.S. government offices on individual cases, as well as the larger human right catastrophe of how Pakistan Christians are being neglected. We welcome your support on that human rights campaign.

ISIS Terrorist Attack on Syrian Christian Neighborhood

On December 31, 2015, the terrorist group ISIS took responsibility for a double suicide bombing terrorist attack on the night of December 30 in a Kurdish Syrian city Qamishli, in the northeastern province of Hasakah. News reports state between 16 to 20 were killed, with about 30 wounded. The majority of those killed were Christians, according to multiple news sources. The ISIS terrorists entered two crowded restaurants and detonated their suicide bomb explosives as people ate.

The Daily Telegraph reports that “Posters hung in a local church said at least 13 of the dead were Christian. 35 people were also wounded.”

The aftermath of one of the ISIS terrorist suicide bombings in central Qamishli, Syria (Source: Reuters)

Mass Funerals of Qamishli terrorist bombings

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Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) stands in support of our universal human rights for all, and we stand in defiance against those, including terrorist and hate groups, which seek to attack such universal human rights, dignity, and security for all.

We cannot support human rights, if we also do not reject those who seek to rob our brothers and sisters in humanity of their lives and security, which are also our universal human rights.

American ISIS: New York Terrorist Arrested in New Years Eve Plot

The U.S. Department of Justice reports, on December 31, 2015, that a New York supporter of the ISIS terrorist organization has been arrested and charged with a plot to commit a terrorist attack in Rochester, New York, at a local restaurant. The man was identified as 25 year-old Emanuel L. Lutchman. He expressed a desire to kill “1000000s of kuffar.”

American ISIS: Emanuel Lutchman Arrested and Charged with ISIS Terrorist Group Support

*Excerpt from Criminal Complaint Against ISIS Terrorist Group Supporter Emmanuel Latchman*

*Excerpt from Criminal Complaint Against ISIS Terrorist Group Supporter Emmanuel Latchman*

According to the criminal complaint, Emanuel Lutchman began corresponding with an FBI informant in November and made numerous statements expressing his support for ISIS and his desire to join the group in Syria. Late this month, he allegedly told the informant he had been in contact with someone who identified himself as an ISIS member in Syria, and that he relayed his personal “hatred for everything in America” and his intention to join the group overseas, according to the complaint.

The criminal complaint states: “Lutchman, claiming to have received direction from an overseas ISIL member, attempted to commit an armed attack against a civilian(s) at a restaurant/bar located in the Rochester area on New Year’s Even on behalf of ISIL and in furtherance of his plan to join ISIL overseas.

The complaint also states that “The Overseas Individual told Lutchman that all he has to do is plan an ‘operation’ on New Year’s or whenever he (Lutchman) can, and kill ‘1000000s of kuffar.’ The Overseas Individual emphasized that Lutchman is ‘behind enemy lines’ and that he (Lutchman) was the closest person to their most hated enemy (meaning the United States).”

On December 31, 2015, the U.S. Department of Justice reported:

Rochester Man Charged with Attempting to Provide Material Support to ISIL

Emanuel L. Lutchman, 25, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), a designated foreign terrorist organization. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The announcement was made by Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin, U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. of the Western District of New York and Special Agent in Charge Adam S. Cohen of the Federal Investigation Bureau’s (FBI) Buffalo Division.

“According to the complaint, as part of Emanuel Lutchman’s attempt to provide material support to ISIL, he planned to kill innocent civilians on New Year’s Eve in the name of the terrorist organization.” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin. “Thankfully, law enforcement was able to intervene and thwart Lutchman’s deadly plans.”

“This New Year’s Eve prosecution underscores the threat of ISIL even in upstate New York but demonstrates our determination to immediately stop any who would cause harm in its name,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul. “What began as an ISIL directive to harm the community ended with the arrest of this defendant and a message for any other individuals considering similar behavior – you will be caught, you will be prosecuted, and you will be punished. While law enforcement is well equipped for such investigations, the public is reminded to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. I assure members of the public that the excellent work of our law enforcement partners with the cooperation of the public is the best way to ensure the safety of our community.”

“The FBI thwarted Emanuel Lutchman’s intent to kill civilians on New Year’s Eve,” said Special Agent in Charge Cohen. “The FBI remains concerned about people overseas who use the Internet to inspire people in the United States to commit acts of violence where they live.”

According to court records, the defendant, claiming to receive direction from an overseas ISIL member, planned to commit an armed attack against civilians at a restaurant/bar located in the Rochester, New York, area today, New Year’s Eve on behalf of ISIL and in furtherance of his plan to join ISIL overseas.

The defendant made an initial appearance this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marian W. Payson of the U.S. Western District of New York.

The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Rochester Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Harvey with the assistance of Trial Attorney Lawrence Schneider of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

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We cannot support human rights, if we also do not reject those who seek to rob our brothers and sisters in humanity of their lives and security, which are also our universal human rights.

Pakistan: Major Jamaat ul-Ahrar Terrorist Attack in Mardan

In Pakistan on December 29, 2015, a terrorist suicide bomber killed scores of people at the office of National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) in Mardan. Media reports state that the terrorist was riding a riding an explosive-laden motorcycle, and was stopped by security when he tried to enter the courtyard area of the office area.

The terrorist detonated the bomb on the motorcycle killing one of the security guards, Parvez Shaheed, and impacting the hundreds of people standing in line outside the NADRA building. The police authorities state that the terrorist used 10 kilograms of explosive material in the terrorist bombing.

Parvez Shaheed, security guard, at NARDA stopped suicide bomber from getting closer to office, and was killed. — Parvez Shaheed, security guard, at NADRA stopped suicide bomber from getting closer to office, and was killed.

At the time of this posting, the Pakistan Tribune is reporting that 26 have been killed and 50 injured. The toll may increase due to the severity of the terrorist attack, with some of the injured in critical condition. The Pakistan Tribune reports that “[h]undreds of people were standing in queues to acquire Computerized National Identity Card (CNICs) and other public documents at the time of the attack.”

The terrorist attack clearly killed numerous Muslims in Muslim-majority Pakistan.

The Voice of America reports that a group formerly affiliated with the Taliban, that has now joined with the ISIS terrorist group, has assumed responsibility for the terrorist attack. The Voice of America report states: “Jamaat ul-Ahrar, which is part of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) umbrella militant group and has reportedly joined forces with IS, has claimed responsibility for the bombing. Pakistani officials have consistently denied that IS has a presence in the country. But several recent attacks by IS-affiliates have kindled fears that the militant group has been successful in making inroads into a nation ripe for IS activities. Pakistan’s counterterrorism authorities on Tuesday told VOA that they arrested a group of 13 suspected militants operating a recruiting and training facility for IS in Punjab state.” In March 2015, reports stated that Jamaat ul-Ahar was working with people supportive of the IS group “Islamic State of Khorasan” (ISK). There has continued to be conflicts within the Pakistan Taliban groups in a power struggle for leading terrorist hate. Another report states the VOA has been told by the Pakistan Taliban that they were not associated with the attack.

Prior to this attack, the NADRA had been in the news for a totally different reason. It has also come to R.E.A.L.’s attention that the NADRA had also verified the CNIC of Tashfeen Malik, who was one of the ISIS supporter terrorist in the December 2 terrorist attack in San Bernardino, California.

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We cannot support human rights, if we also do not reject those who seek to rob our brothers and sisters in humanity of their lives and security, which are also our universal human rights.

Nigeria: ISIS-ISWAP / Boko Haram Terrorist Attacks Kill Scores in Maiduguri and Madagali – including Attack Outside Mosque

The ISIS-aligned Boko Haram terrorist organization has committed numerous terrorist attacks in Maiduguri and Madagali, resulting in mass casualties, days after the Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari claimed that “technically, we have won the war” against Boko Haram (which means “Western Education is sin”). The ISIS-aligned group, which joined the ISIS terrorist organization in March 2015, has begun calling itself Wilāyat Gharb Ifrīqīyyah, or the Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP).

ISWAP / Boko Haram terrorists were responsible for terrorist bombings in Maiduguri and Madagali, reportedly killing people, using rocket-propelled grenades and multiple suicide bombers. The number of victims of the terrorist attacks vary by news media. ABC reported a total of 80 victims, CNN reported a total of 52 victims, and the Nigerian Daily Post reported a total 51 victims.

Overnight on December 27-28, 2015, the Nigerian National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) area coordinator Muhammed Kanar reportedly told ABC that in “Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, at least 30 were killed and more than 90 wounded in overnight blasts and shootouts, and another 20 died in a bombing outside a mosque at dawn Monday.” Photographs on Twitter from Maiduguri show the ISWAP / Boko Haram attack of Muslims near an Islamic mosque.

Nigeria - reports of ISWAP/ISIS - Boko Haram terrorist attack outside Maiduguri mosque (Source: Twitter) — Nigeria – reports of ISIS/ISWAP – Boko Haram terrorist attack outside Maiduguri mosque (Source: Twitter)

On the morning of December 28, 2015, a double suicide bombing terrorist attack killed an additional 30 people at a market near bus station at 9 AM local time in Madagali, which is 95 miles southeast of Maiduguri.

Victims of ISWAP / Boko Haram Terrorist Attacks (Source: Twitter)

On December 28, 2015, the Nigerian Daily Post reported that “members of the sect have reportedly detonated explosion in three different areas of the metropolis, killing at least 31 people at Bullumkuttu, Bakassi area and Damboa road behind CBN quarter. Residents of the area told our correspondent that the explosion that rocked the state capital this morning killed a resident of Bakassi ward, Bulama Modu Gana along with three others. Another IED that exploded at Bullumkuttu also killed 20 people, while the one which occurred at Damboa road behind CBN quarters killed another 6 people with several others reportedly injured.”

Multiple news media reported that the total number of terrorist attacks totaled nine. ABC reported that the “military said there had been multiple attacks at four southwestern entry points to Maiduguri. In another blast, two girls blew themselves up in the Buraburin neighborhood, killing several people, according to civil servant Yunusa Abdullahi.”

The Voice of America also reported “[t]wo female suicide bombers blew themselves up on Monday in the Far North region of Cameroon while trying to carry out attacks for Islamist militant group Boko Haram, local officials said, but there were no other deaths. ‘The suicide bombing took place at the entrance of Bodo. Two women bombers wanted to get to the market place but they were stopped by vigilantes,’ said Abgassi Adoum, mayor of Makary district of which Bodo is a part. He said one member of the watch committee was lightly wounded.”

On December 24, 2015, the BBC reported an interview with Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, who was elected to provide new solutions to ongoing sectarian disputes, and the extremist terrorism of ISWAP/Boko Haram which had been plagued Nigeria. BBC reported that Muhammadu Buhari stated “Technically, we have won the war” with ISWAP/Boko Haram.

On December 24, 2015, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari told BBC that Nigeria had "technically won the war" with ISIS/ISWAP - Boko Haram (Source: BBC) — On December 24, 2015, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari told BBC that Nigeria had “technically won the war” with ISIS/ISWAP – Boko Haram (Source: BBC)

Since declaring its terrorist war in 2009, ISWAP/Boko Haram’s terrorism has killed 20,000 and displaced 2.3 million from their homes. Such terrorist crimes against humanity in killing 20,000 of our fellow human beings should make such terrorist atrocities one of the primary human rights and security alerts of the world. But there are often an afterthought, especially by so-called “mainstream” Western media outlets.

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We cannot support human rights, if we also do not reject those who seek to rob our brothers and sisters in humanity of their lives and security, which are also our universal human rights.

NY Post Unfair in Column on San Bernardino Mosque

Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) has made it clear, as our practice in the United States, when challenging white supremacists who have taken over “church” facilities, that we cannot stay silent when houses of worship espouse extremist anti-human rights views.

There are parts of the world where we see other extremists in other houses of worship. Those of us committed to our faiths of peace and our human rights have an obligation to challenge this as well.

However, there is also the idea of bullying a house of worship, and this is what appears in a recent New York Post article published on December 27, 2015.

The New York Post’s Paul Sperry wrote an article on the ongoing investigation into the San Bernardino terrorist attack on December 2.

In the New York Post (NYP) article, there are some questions raised that do need to be answered about inconsistencies on how involved Syed Farook was with members. But as R.E.A.L. has previously mentioned, the investigation is ongoing. It is R.E.A.L.’s expectation that over time other aspects of crime and the terrorists’ associates will come to light.

The NYP article alleges that Roshan Zamir Abbassi had 38 text messages with Syed Farook in June 2015, which Mr. Abbassi states had to do with a food bank. The article also indicates the mosque knew Syed Farook better than it told the public after the attacks (which really wouldn’t be surprising). However, the investigation into this must continue.

But the NYP article overreaches and makes a claim that is so outrageous that it would be wrong for someone not to refute it.

The article states that associate cleric Roshan Zamir Abbassi “recently posted a message on Facebook condemning the United States and other Western nations for their Mideast policies, arguing they are equally guilty of violence to achieve political and religious goals. His mosque’s Web page features a video claiming that the San Bernardino shooting was carried out by the US government in a “false flag conspiracy,” and that Farook and Malik were ‘patsies’ assassinated ‘by government-sponsored perpetrators.’ ”

I haven’t seen Roshan Zamir Abbassi’s Facebook page, but those types of comments, while they may anger many, are not unlike comments you might read in relativist media sources in the U.S. mainstream media, whose twisted sense of “reporting” rarely covers a crisis that they can’t find a way to blame on the United States of America.

But the NYP report of “mosque’s web page” with a video that the San Bernardino terrorist attack was a “false flag conspiracy” is really specific. So after researching this, here is what R.E.A.L. finds actually happened.

The San Bernarino mosque has a Facebook page, which they have decided to leave open for public comments, which is a questionable public relations move under the circumstance. So all sorts of members of the public make comments there, some supporting the mosque, some making anti-Muslim hate comments, etc.

Among the comments, one poster from Los Angeles made a comment that he thought the San Bernardino mosque was a “false flag” operation, along with a link to a unhinged video from someone who believes this. It was comment number 35 to one of the San Bernarino’s mosque’s Facebook post on December 3, 2015 calling for prayers for the victims of the attack. This is what the NYP and Paul Sperry does NOT tell you.

The mosque’s Facebook post actually stated “DAR-AL-ULOOM and the Muslim community of California is saddened and shocked by the recent shootings in San Bernardino, CA and prays for the victims and their family members. The center and its members offer their deepest condolences to those affected by this tragedy and we stand with our fellow Americans in this difficult time. Please pray for the families and victims of the shooting in San Bernardino.”

That’s the story you won’t read in the New York Post.

Screenshot of Dar-Al-Aloom Facebook Page show that "video" was a public comment from someone in Los Angeles (Source: Facebook) — Screenshot of Dar-Al-Uloom Facebook Page show that “video” was a public comment from someone in Los Angeles (Source: Facebook)

There were 35 people who commented on that Facebook post. The last one, on December 17, was from a Los Angeles man, “John Burns,” with no apparent link to the mosque, with a link to a YouTube “The San Bernardino Shooting False Flag (Mini Documentary) – CASE CLOSED!”.

But the New York Post has reported this as: ” His mosque’s Web page features a video claiming that the San Bernardino shooting was carried out by the US government in a ‘false flag conspiracy,’ and that Farook and Malik were ‘patsies’ assassinated ‘by government-sponsored perpetrators.”

That simply is factually inaccurate. Again, New York Post.

Once again, this case is still under investigation. It is unknown what the investigation will find. But to take such a nugget of information from someone else and mislead the public as to what it actually represented is irresponsible reporting of the worst kind.

This type of wild, exaggerated, and recklessly misleading on both sides of controversial topics from our news media does nothing to help “inform” the public. It makes our news media into political armies which do nothing but throw random propaganda out for either side of a debate. It is unhelpful for informing the public, for challenging issues, and having reasoned debates on important issues.

There is no doubt that the San Bernardino mosque should have deleted or blocked such comments on Facebook. But it has (unwisely in my opinion) allowed their Facebook site to be a source for random public comments. Many would argue this is poor judgment. Many would argue that the San Bernardino mosque would be best to find a way to delete such nonsense, and have better management of who in the random public can comment on their Facebook site.

But this is not the same as the claims by the recklessly inaccurate New York Post article.

We have enough problems in America and around the world, challenging extremist views, protecting human rights, and defending the human security and dignity of our fellow human beings. We don’t need to invent new efforts to empower anti-human rights demagogues.

Our news media, on every angle, could consider perhaps it would be easier to simply report the facts, and respect the people to make up their own minds.

Bangladesh – ISIS Terrorist Bomb Attack at Ahmadiyya Muslim Mosque

On Friday, December 25, 2015, a terrorist attacked an Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat mosque in Bagmara, Bangladesh, reportedly killing one and injuring others. Press reports states that the terrorist attack, appeared to be a suicide bombing, which took place during Friday’s weekly prayer in the mosque in Bagmara area in Rajshahi district. This is approximately 150 miles from the Bangladesh capital of Dhaka.

On December 26, 2015, the ISIS terrorist group took responsibility for this terrorist suicide bombing on this mosque.

ISIS has been linked to similar recent attacks in Bangladesh.

In addition to deaths, the Bangladesh press is now reporting 10-12 injuries, with several critical: “10-12 people got injured by bomb splinter. Police said three have critical condition among the injured. They are Moyej Uddin (40), Shaheb Ali (36) and Noyon (12). They have sent to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital.”

Terrorist Suicide Bombing at Sayedpur Bokpara Ahmadiya Muslim Jamaat mosque in Mochmoil village of Bagmara upazila during Juma prayer

Prothom-Alo reported: “A man was killed in a blast while exploding bomb in a mosque of Ahmadia community at Bagmara upazila in Rajshahi during Jumaa prayers on Friday. Many people, members of 15-16 families of Ahmadia community in the Syedpur Bokpara neighborhood, were injured in the blast. Witnesses said the bomb blasted instantly in his hand as he detonated it taking out of his pocket after the first Rakaat of Jumaa prayers standing in the first row of the congregation. Bagmara police officer-in-charge Motiar Rahman said the identity of the man could not be known yet. The injured have been admitted Rajshahi, Bagmara and Mohanpur hospitals.”

Al-Manar reported: “Ahmad Tabshir Choudhury, a spokesman of the Ahmadiya Muslim Jamaat in Bangladesh said there were two unknown people who came to the mosque where nearly 100 people including women joined the Friday prayers. ‘The bomb was detonated during the prayers. One of the two unknown people died. It appears that he was a suicide bomber,’ Choudhury told AFP. He added that four Ahmadis were injured including one whose condition is serious. No group has claimed responsibility, but in recent months, homegrown outlawed militant group, Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), and the so-called ‘Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant’ (ISIL) takfiri group claimed responsibility for bomb attacks on a top Shiite shrine and a Shiite mosque in northern Bangladesh.”

News Bangladesh now also reports:

Bangladesh Mosque Attack (Source: News Bangladesh)

“Law enforcers have surrounded the Bagmara Ahmadiyya mosque after explosion during Jumma prayer on Friday. Bagmara, Rajshahi: There was another person during the suicide bomb attack at Ahmadiyya mosque at Bagmara in Rajshahi, said Saiful Islam, president of the mosque supervising committee. Narrating the description of the attack, he revealed it on Friday evening. Saiful said there is no permanent imam at the mosque. He himself was leading the prayer as the imam during the blast. A youth was killed in suicide blast during the Jumma prayer at Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Jame Mosque at Mojmoil Chalkpara in Syedpur under Bagmara upazila. Besides, seven devotees were injured. Of them, critically injured Moyez Talukder, Saheb Ali and Nayan Uddin were admitted to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. Saiful said, “I started ‘Khutba’ at 1:05pm. After the Khutba, Jumma prayer began. I heard the sound of a huge explosion during uttering Sura Fateha on the second rakat of the prayer. Instantly, the devotees started getting out of the mosque. Everybody started crying. At that time, there were some 60 devotees at the mosque. Women devotees also took part in the prayer.” The four walls of the mosque are built of bricks. The rooftop was covered with tin. Plaster was not done on the inside walls. Saiful said another mosque is situated very close to the mosque. Prayer was also going on there. Hearing the sound of explosion, devotees from the mosque also hurriedly came here. He said, “When everyone was trying to get out of the mosque, I saw a youth was screaming. His left hand was blood stained and badly damaged. I think the bomb was exploded by the youth. He was wearing a jacket and jeans trousers.” Saiful said the youth was unknown. His face was not affected by the explosion. There was another person with him. He fled away after the explosion. Members of Police, Rapid Action Batallion (RAB) and CID have surrounded the mosque right now. Senior police officials visited the spot after the suicide attack. They included Abdullah Al Mahmud, Additional IG (DIG) of Rajshahi Range of police, and police super Misharul Arif.”

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We cannot support human rights, if we also do not reject those who seek to rob our brothers and sisters in humanity of their lives and security, which are also our universal human rights.

Ajaccio: Violence Against Firefighters and Mob Attack on Mosque

On the Corsican island of Ajaccio, a group of hooded thugs attacked a group of French firefighters in an ambush on Christmas Day, December 25. As AP reported, “The violence began Thursday night, when firefighters responding to an emergency call were ambushed in Ajaccio, according to the local France 3 television. ”

After the attack on firefighters, Ajaccio community members turned out to protest in support of the injured emergency officers who had been ambushed. However, the extremists among the protest turned the protest into mob of violence, and some in the crowd then went on to attack a local mosque including vandalizing an Islamic prayer room. France 3 reported police reinforcements at other prayer rooms for their protection. France’s interior minister, Bernard Cazeneuve, condemned those responsible for hurting police and firefighters in Ajaccio. He said investigators would also look into the vandalism of the prayer room, which he said included attempts to burn Qurans and prayer books.

The Daily Telegraph reported that “They shouted slogans in Corsican meaning ‘Arabs get out!’ or ‘This is our home!’, an AFP correspondent reported. Nearby was the Muslim prayer room and a small group smashed the glass door and entered the place of worship, ransacking the room and partially burning books including copies of the Koran, said regional official Francois Lalanne.
‘Fifty prayer books were thrown out on the street,’ said Mr Lalanne, adding that some of the pages were burnt. The French Council of the Muslim Faith (CFCM) and its monitor of Islamophobia denounced the violence and pointed to the timing of the attack on Friday ‘on a day of prayer for both Muslims and Christians.’ ”

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We cannot support human rights, if we also do not reject those who seek to rob our brothers and sisters in humanity of their lives and security, which are also our universal human rights.

Europe: France, UK, Bosnia Foil Terrorist Plots – with ISIS Links

Terrorist plots foiled across Europe, including France, United Kingdom, and Bosnia, have been announced by authorities. This includes recent terrorist plots, most of which are linked to ISIS, in Orleans and Paris, France, in London, United Kingdom, and in Bosnia. It included plots to attack police and fire stations, to use a false pregnancy bomb for a terrorist woman to hide a bomb, and a plot for terrorist attacks on New Year’s Eve.

In France, two men were arrested for a terrorist plot for an attack in Orleans, France, which was foiled by the French intelligence agency DGSI. The terrorists arrested were reported to be a “French native of Morocco, the other from Togo,” and were in contact with a French contact in Syria. Le Monde reports that the terrorists in France “were preparing a ‘concrete’ project, with terrorist targets of “fire station, police station and gendarmerie in the region Orleans (police source). ” According to Le Monde, the terrorists have been “charged and imprisoned for ‘criminal association in relation with a terrorist enterprise criminal.’ ” The remainder of the English language translation of the Le Monde report can be seen at this link. The French news media L’Express report (translated into English) that ” ‘An attack project to representatives of the security forces in the region of Orleans was foiled last week by ISB,’ said Bernard Cazeneuve in Toulouse Police Hotel, in a speech before the gendarmes and area police forces. The minister said that two French were arrested and charged on December 19. This is the 10th foiled attack since 2013.”

French Police and French DGSI Foil Terrorist Plot in Orleans from ISIS Supporters

Another French terrorist plot inspired by ISIS was also foiled in Paris, according to French and British news sources. The Guardian reports on December 23, 2015 of a woman arrested by French police “after finding a false pregnancy ‘bump’ that they suspect she may have been planning to use to hide a bomb.” It reports “Investigators say the prefabricated plastic mold found during a search of her flat was covered in aluminium, which they believe was designed to fool bomb detectors.” “The woman, named only as Camille, 23, a Muslim convert and mother of a two-year-old child, was arrested in Montpellier on Monday along with her husband. Investigators told Midi-Libre newspaper that a computer at the flat had been used to search for information about kamikaze women and for instructions on how to manufacture explosives. During questioning the woman reportedly told police she planned to wear the bump in order to shoplift. However, detectives said the woman had recently inherited several thousand euros and had no need to steal.” The French Midi-Libre reports that (translated into English) “She went out only veiled from head to foot, she spent in her apartment described as ‘ascetic’ for hours to view videos of atrocities committed by ISIS.” Midi-Libre also reports that (translated into English) she “downloaded all the issues of Inspire, propaganda magazine Al-Qaeda and Dabiq, the Islamic State magazine. Moreover, she had made the web much research on female suicide bombers, improvised explosive devices. Finally, she told her family that she wanted to win Syria to die a martyr, and had convinced her husband to accompany her.”

Paris, France - ISIS Supporter Woman Arrested with Plot to Use False "Pregancy Bomb" to Hide Bomb — Paris, France – ISIS Supporter Woman Arrested with Plot to Use False “Pregancy Bomb” to Hide Bomb

Separately, a French terrorist Yassin Salhi supporting ISIS, who was part of the June 2015 ISIS terrorist spree during Ramadan, who beheaded a man, committed suicide in Prison.

In the United Kingdom, a south London terrorist plot was foiled by an arrest of a planned terrorist. The UK Guardian reports on December 23, 2015 that “Armed police have arrested a man at a south London shop over alleged links to terrorism. The suspect, 31, was arrested just after 5pm on Tuesday evening and detained ‘on suspicion of being involved in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.’ The arrest was planned and followed a joint investigation by Scotland Yard’s terrorism command and MI5. Detectives are investigating if the man had links or had been influenced by ISIS as part of their inquiries, and police said the arrest was being linked to Islamist terrorism.”

Scotland Yard Reports Foiling UK Terrorist Plot – Investigating Links to ISIS

Other recent UK terrorist cases include the December 5, 2015 case, of an ISIS supporter, Muhaydin Mire, who used a knife to attempt to behead a passenger on a London subway, but failed in his attempt, while injuring the passengers. The ISIS terrorist said “this is for Syria,” when he began his attack at the Laytonstone Underground station in east London and a man threatening other people with a knife. One man was seriously injured and two sustained minor injuries,e passenger and cutting part of his throat. At his appearance at Westminster Magistrates Court on December 7, 2015, it was discovered that Muhaydin Mire had images on this smart phone of ISIS and it was clear that he “idolized” the ISIS terrorist group.

On December 15, a British court found a man believed to be working with MI5 guilty of 13 counts of terrorist offenses, according to BBC. BBC reported that “A jihadi has been jailed for four-and-a-half years after police found he had a number of terror training videos. Mustafa Abdullah, 34, of Stockwell, south London, claimed to be on the M15 payroll. He was caught with the material at Gatwick Airport when he came back from Syria last year. Police found gun instruction videos and audio recordings about radical, violent and fundamentalist Islamic ideology.”

December 15, 2015 - Mustafa Abdullah found guilty of 13 offenses of possession of documents likely to be useful to a person preparing an act of terrorism. — December 15, 2015 – Mustafa Abdullah found guilty of 13 offenses of possession of documents likely to be useful to a person preparing an act of terrorism.

On December 7, 2015, a British married couple appeared in court after plots to commit a suicide bombing attack in London. According to the Daily Mail on December 7, “A married couple accused of plotting a suicide bombing in London ‘repeatedly’ watched the martyrdom video of 7/7 bomber Shehzad Tanweer, a court has heard. Mohammed Rehman, 27, and wife Sana Ahmed Khan, 24, stockpiled chemicals and bomb-making material for a ‘catastrophic attack on London’, the Old Bailey heard. Rehman, using the name ‘Silent Bomber’ and a picture of ‘Jihadi John’ killer Mohammed Emwazi, allegedly took to Twitter to ask his followers to choose a target for the planned suicide bombing. Jurors heard today that Rehman had also hand-written a pledge of allegiance to the barbarous Islamic State and its leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi.” It is alleged that “Rehman was considering detonating a bomb at a Westfield shopping centre in London.” According to the report, “He also asked his followers for help picking a target, asking ‘Westfield or London Underground’, the court heard. When police raided Rehman’s home in Reading, Berkshire, in May this year, they found more than 10kg of Urea Nitrate explosives.”

In Bosnia, on December 22, 2015, Bosnian news reports state that a total of 15 individuals were arrested in connection to an investigation over a plot for a New Year’s Eve terrorist attack. The Balkan Insight reports that this included the arrest of 11 men, linked to ISIS. The Balkan Insight reports: “Bosnian prosecution spokesperson Boris Grubesic told BIRN that the police will hand the men to prosecutors on Wednesday who will question the suspects and decide whether to file a custody motion by Thursday. The prosecution said that around 15 persons were targeted in total and, along with the arrests of 11 men, several houses and two ‘places of religious gatherings of radical persons’ were searched. ‘During the raids we found certain evidence that indicates connections to ISIS structures,’ Grubesic said. He added that part of the raid was conducted in Rajlovac, the suburb of Sarajevo where a man shot dead two soldiers a month ago.” “Marina Zovic, the spokesperson of the Bosnian Federation police, which conducted the raid, said that the 11 men were arrested for connections to terrorism and terrorist groups. ‘They are suspected of inciting and preparing a criminal act as well as enlisting people to go fight abroad,’ Zovic said.”

Bosnia Terrorism Arrests on December 22, 2015 to Break Up New Year's Eve Terrorist Plot — Bosnia Terrorism Arrests on December 22, 2015 to Break Up New Year’s Eve Terrorist Plot

In addition, the news agency Fena reported “The news agency Fena said it learned unofficially that ‘one of the main leaders’ of a group that was preparing a terrorist attack was among the suspects. Fena said that ‘about 15 people were the target of the activities,’ and that there was ‘information and evidence’ that this group was close to, and maintained contact with radical groups and structures of Islamic State, as well as with ‘structures connected with persons in Syrian and Iraqi fronts.’ ”

According to Balkan Insight, “Bosnian Security expert Vlado Azinovic said that the latest raid was clearly ‘a preventive’ act. ‘The police and prosecution had information that at least some of the suspects could do ‘something concrete’ by the end of the year, considering that people from this ideological circle usually object to celebrations of New Year, so there were indications that they might be involved in planning something at a celebration where there could be a big group of people’, he said. Bosnian media also quoted unnamed sources in the intelligence services as claiming that the arrested men were planning an attack on New Year’s Day.”

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We cannot support human rights, if we also do not reject those who seek to rob our brothers and sisters in humanity of their lives and security, which are also our universal human rights.

Minneapolis – American ISIS Abdirizak Mohamed Warsame Sought to Shoot Down Planes

December 22, 2015 – update – at a court hearing, an FBI Special Agent Daniel Higgins testified that American ISIS terrorist Abdirizak Mohamed Warsame, had been bragging of plans to shoot down airplanes at the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport with rocket-propelled grenades. Abdirizak Mohamed Warsame had previously worked at the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport as a baggage handler, working with a company handling jet fuel, and working with a company that de-ices planes. U.S. Magistrate Judge Becky Thorson ruled at the hearing that there is sufficient probable cause to support the charges, and that Warsame should not be released from jail. The case will now go to a grand jury for an indictment. The background investigation into American ISIS terrorist Abdirizak Mohamed Warsame found nothing that disqualified him from getting a security badge to work at an American airport.

Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) News also reported that “[a]n airport spokesman confirmed to MPR News that Warsame worked there for several months starting in December 2013. He first worked for a company that de-ices planes, Integrated Deicing Services, and then got a job for Swissport, a company that handles fuel. Airport officials said they screen job applicants against federal databases, and there was nothing in Warsame’s background to deny granting him a security badge.”

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On December 10, 2015, a 10th American ISIS terrorist, Abdirizak Mohamed Warsame was arrested, as part of the Minnesota gang of American ISIS terrorist group. According to the criminal complaint, Warsame was at one point the leader of a group of young, Somali-American from the Minnesota Twin Cities area, who tried to flee the country in April to aid the ISIS terrorist group. He was urged to rob the U.S. government to finance his efforts. He becomes the 16th known recent American ISIS terrorist recruit from the Minnesota area.

Minnesota - American ISIS Terrorist Abdirizak Mohamed Warsame — Minnesota – American ISIS Terrorist Abdirizak Mohamed Warsame

Others in American ISIS Minnesota Terrorist Network

The FBI reported that:

Abdirizak Mohamed Warsame, 20, of Eagan, Minnesota, was charged by criminal complaint with conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), announced Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin, U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger of the District of Minnesota and Special Agent in Charge Richard T. Thornton of the FBI’s Minneapolis Division.

“Abdirizak Warsame conspired with others to travel to Syria to fight with ISIL,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin. “Counterterrorism is the National Security Division’s highest priority, and we will continue to work to stem the flow of foreign fighters abroad and to bring to justice those who seek to provide material support to designated foreign terrorist organizations.”

“This defendant is the 10th Twin Cities’ man charged as part of a broad conspiracy to provide material support to ISIL,” said U.S. Attorney Luger. “The FBI and prosecutors in my office continue to work without pause to keep Minnesotans safe and bring these defendants to justice.”

According to the complaint and documents filed in court, in spring 2014, Warsame and his co-conspirators began meeting to watch propaganda videos that glorified religious violence and to discuss their aspirations to travel to Syria to join ISIL. Members of the group, including Warsame, discussed ways to leave the United States and travel to Syria, despite the fact that law enforcement was intensely scrutinizing the group. At one such meeting, Guled Omar was elected “emir,” or leader, of the group. Later in 2014, when Omar was planning to depart for Syria, Omar appointed Warsame to replace him as emir for the remaining co-conspirators.

According to the complaint and documents filed in court, during the same period, Warsame provided $200 to a co-conspirator, Adnan Farah, so that Farah could obtain an expedited U.S. passport to travel overseas to join ISIL. Warsame also applied for an expedited passport during this time, but his application was initially denied.

According to the complaint and documents filed in court, Warsame repeatedly attempted to obtain a telephone number or other contact information of ISIL members, including ISIL member H.K. In June 2014, Warsame specifically attempted to obtain this contact information so that he could pass it along to Y.J., who was attempting to travel from Turkey to Syria to join ISIL.

According to the complaint and documents filed in court, in April 2015, Warsame actively encouraged Omar and other co-conspirators to travel to Syria through Mexico, but did not plan to join their group because he was planning to travel with his family to East Africa. From East Africa, Warsame planned to either break free from his family and travel to Syria, or wait in Somalia for a time when, he believed, al-Shabaab would pledge allegiance to ISIL, thus expanding ISIL to Somalia.

According to the criminal complaint and documents filed in court, on April 2, 2015, Warsame recounted a conversation he had with Abdi Nur, before Nur left the United States for Syria. In that exchange, Warsame told Omar that he proposed to Nur that they rob people in order to finance their travel to Syria, which Nur rejected and suggested instead that they rob the government.