Syed Aman, a U.S. citizen and resident of Nassau County, New York, was arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport as he attempted to board a flight to Doha, Qatar, with plans of joining the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) to wage jihad. The Department of Justice (DOJ) charged Aman with attempting to provide material support to ISIS, as he had allegedly expressed his support for the group in online forums and had sent money to an individual he believed was an ISIS operative. Aman also expressed his desire to engage in jihad alongside ISIS in Syria, where he planned to travel from Qatar.
Aman was in contact with a confidential human source (CHS) starting in October 2024, and during their communication, he expressed his determination to support ISIS through financial donations and multiple attempts to travel overseas to engage in jihad. Aman expressed his hatred toward non-believers and his desire to become a martyr for ISIS. He attempted to book flights to the Middle East in late October but was blocked by the credit card company. Despite this setback, Aman was able to successfully book a flight to Bangladesh via Qatar from JFK Airport.
Aman’s plan was to get off his flight in Qatar and purchase a flight to Turkey, where he would cross into Syria to join ISIS. However, FBI agents intervened and arrested him before he could board his flight at JFK Airport. U.S. Attorney Breon Peace stated that Aman’s evil plan to wage jihad was thwarted by law enforcement and that they will continue to identify and prosecute individuals attempting to support terrorist organizations like ISIS. FBI Assistant Director in Charge Dennehy commended the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force for preventing Aman’s plans from coming to fruition.
Aman’s arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat terrorism and prevent individuals from supporting and joining extremist groups. The FBI emphasized their commitment to protecting the nation from those willing to support the evils of terrorism and commended their law enforcement partners for their role in stopping Aman’s disturbing plans. Aman’s case serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by individuals radicalized by extremist ideologies and the importance of vigilance in preventing acts of terror in the U.S. and abroad.
The DOJ’s complaint against Aman detailed his online support for ISIS, financial contributions to the group, and his plans to travel to Syria to engage in jihad. Aman’s expressed desire to kill Americans, become a martyr for ISIS, and wage war on behalf of the group are indicative of his radicalization and commitment to extremist ideologies. Aman’s case underscores the need for continued efforts to detect and prevent individuals like him from supporting terrorist organizations and carrying out acts of violence in the name of jihad.
