US teen arrested for planning terror attack with Al-Qaeda linked outfit.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) detained a teenager from Philadelphia on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack with the Khatiabt al-Tawhid wal Jihad (KTJ) group, which is affiliated with Al-Qaeda.
The 17-year-old teenager was allegedly in touch with the Khatiabt al-Tawhid organization that operated under Al-Qaeda’s auspices.
Also read: FBI reveals 1980s plot to kill Queen Elizabeth II
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, during a news conference, said: “The work of the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force potentially thwarted a catastrophic terrorist attack in the name of a perverted ideology that in no way, shape, or form represents the beliefs of the overwhelming majority of peace-seeking people of faith, including Muslims.”
“The charges we have filed against this individual represent the most serious alleged terrorist activity prosecuted in Philadelphia County court in recent history,” he added.
Krasner further said: “We intend to pursue full accountability for these crimes and will continue to work vigilantly with our law enforcement partners to protect all of our communities from hateful, ideologically driven acts of violence.”
As a US teen arrested for planning a terror attack with Al-Qaeda linked outfit, the teen allegedly purchased ingredients and started the construction of a nuclear bomb, reported ABC News.
“Among the items he purchased were tactical equipment, wiring, chemicals, and devices often used as remote detonators,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Jacqueline Maguire said at the news conference.
“He had not only taken steps in acquiring those items and materials that are commonly used in improvised explosive devices, but he had also taken steps to start putting potential devices together,” Maguire added.
The FBI opened an investigation after learning that the child had allegedly spoken with KTJ, a foreign organization connected to Al-Qaeda.
According to a news source, the FBI started a surveillance-based investigation after finding the teen over the course of a few weeks.
Maguire also revealed that the teen was in possession of a sizable number of weapons.
The teen is charged with having WMDs, participating in a criminal conspiracy, setting property on fire, bringing about or putting a catastrophe at risk, attempting to commit criminal mischief, and recklessly putting someone in danger.
The juvenile court has received the case.
