Four suspected terrorist cell members were arrested on Friday for conspiring after the Sept. 11 attacks last year to join al-Qaeda and Taliban forces fighting against the US in Afghanistan, US Attorney General John Ashcroft said.
The four were among six charged defendants -- five US-born citizens and a Jordanian living in the US. All six were one time residents in Portland, Oregon. Ashcroft said two defendants remain "at large overseas."
"We've neutralized a suspected terrorist cell within our borders," announced Ashcroft at a news conference Friday, which he said was a `defining day'' in the fight against terrorism. He noted the sentencing in federal court later Friday of John Walker Lindh and the guilty plea from accused shoe-bomber Richard Reid.
The four-count indictment alleges a conspiracy to levy war against the US, a conspiracy to provide material support and resources to al-Qaeda, a conspiracy to contribute services to al-Qaeda and the Taliban, and possession of firearms to further crimes of violence.
If convicted, the defendants could face up to life in prison, Ashcroft said.
The defendants were identified as Jeffrey Leon Battle, a 32-year-old former US Army Reserve member; Patrice Lumumba Ford, 31; Ahmed Ibrahim Bilal, 24; Muhammad Ibrahim Bilal, 22; Habis Abdulla al Saoub, 37, the Jordanian; and October Martinique Lewis, 25, who was Battle's ex-wife.
After the Sept. 11 attacks, the indictment charges that all of the defendants but Lewis acquired various firearms and engaged in weapons and physical training for preparation to fight a jihad (holy war), Ashcroft said.
The indictment charges that Battle, Ford, Muhammad Bilal, Ahmed Bilal and al Saoub began to travel to Afghanistan last October to join forces with Taliban and al-Qaeda troops, Ashcroft said.
On Nov. 2 last year, Battle told his ex-wife that the group had encountered difficulties crossing the border of China into Afghanistan, according to the indictment.
It also charges that on eight occasions, Lewis wired US$2,800 to Battle overseas, knowing the money would be used to support his attempt to reach Afghanistan.
It also says Battle made sure to be discharged from the reserves. Ashcroft said Battle enlisted to receive military training that he intended to use against the US.
According to the indictment, Battle, Ford, and Muhammad Bilal returned to the US late last year and early this year.
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