Syed Aman, a U.S. citizen living in Nassau County, New York, was arrested by FBI agents at John F. Kennedy International Airport as he attempted to board a flight to Doha, Qatar, with plans to join the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) in Syria. Aman was charged with attempting to provide material support to ISIS, as he had expressed support for the group in online forums and had sent money to an individual he believed was an ISIS operative. Aman had also expressed his desire to kill Americans and become a martyr for ISIS. Despite multiple attempts to book flights to the Middle East, Aman was thwarted in his efforts until his arrest at JFK Airport.
Aman’s plans to join ISIS were brought to light through his communication with a confidential human source (CHS) since the beginning of October 2024. Aman allegedly spoke about waging war on behalf of ISIS and traveling to an ISIS-controlled territory as his top priorities. He expressed hatred towards non-believers and the desire to support ISIS’s efforts in Syria. Aman also attempted to book flights to the Middle East in late October, but his attempts were blocked by the credit card company. Eventually, Aman successfully booked a flight from JFK to Bangladesh through Doha, Qatar, with the intention of crossing into Syria to join ISIS.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) stated that Aman was determined in his efforts to support ISIS through financial donations and multiple attempts to travel overseas for jihad on their behalf. Aman’s arrest came after his attempt to board the flight at JFK Airport, where he was apprehended by the FBI. U.S. Attorney Breon Peace emphasized the importance of identifying and prosecuting individuals like Aman before they have the opportunity to harm individuals at home or abroad on behalf of ISIS. FBI Assistant Director in Charge Dennehy praised the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force for intervening before Aman’s plans could come to fruition.
The FBI and other law enforcement partners are dedicated to protecting the nation from those who support terrorist organizations like ISIS. Aman’s arrest highlights the ongoing threat of individuals attempting to join terrorist groups overseas and engage in acts of violence. The DOJ’s complaint detailed Aman’s support for ISIS, including his online expressions of support for the group and his plans to travel to Syria for jihad. By thwarting Aman’s plans and charging him with attempting to provide material support to ISIS, law enforcement agencies have taken a proactive approach to preventing potential acts of terrorism in the United States and abroad. Aman’s case serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and protect national security.
