Justice Dept. sentences al-Shabaab terrorist over 9/11-inspired plane plot
Al-Shabaab Terrorist Sentenced to Two Life Terms for Plotting Mass-Casualty Attack
A Kenyan national linked to the al-Shabaab terrorist group has been sentenced to two life terms in prison by the US Justice Department for a range of serious crimes, including conspiring to murder US nationals, committing aircraft piracy, destroying aircraft, and carrying out transnational acts of terrorism.
Cholo Abdi Abdullah, who was also found guilty of providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, admitted to the FBI that he had planned to bring a knife aboard an airplane, hijack it, and execute an attack inspired by the 9/11 attacks on US soil. His arrest came in July 2019 in the Philippines, where he was transferred to US custody in December 2020 and later convicted in November 2024.
Abdullah joined al-Shabaab in 2015, spending approximately one year at various safehouses in Somalia, where he received military-style training, including handling assault rifles and manufacturing explosives. During this time, a senior al-Shabaab figure recruited him for a larger plan aimed at conducting a mass-casualty terror attack. As part of this plan, Abdullah trained to become an airline pilot in the Philippines between October 2017 and July 2019, with the cost of his flight school education covered by al-Shabaab.
The terror group, which operates in Somalia and neighboring countries like Kenya and Ethiopia, funds its operations through a system it refers to as "taxation." By the time of his arrest, Abdullah had nearly completed the requirements for a commercial pilot’s license and was close to obtaining an instrument rating, which would have allowed him to work for a major airline.
Detailed Planning for a Terrorist Attack
During his time at flight school, Abdullah conducted extensive research into potential targets and methods for his attack. He studied transit visas for entering the US, researched how to hijack an airplane, and even looked into whether air marshals were present on every flight. He also explored online resources about airplane cockpit doors, airline employment, and possible interview questions for pilot roles.
In January 2019, Abdullah was briefed on the DusitD2 attack in Nairobi, Kenya, which al-Shabaab carried out, killing 21 civilians and one soldier. His handler, a high-ranking al-Shabaab operative, shared details of the attack, including the use of a suicide bomber. Abdullah later searched for footage of the attack and expedited his own plans, focusing on a potential strike against the Bank of America Plaza in Atlanta.
He also provided regular reports to his handler on his progress, detailing how he had taken flights to identify the best seats for observing the flight deck door. Additionally, he studied past hijacking attempts since 9/11, noting that the most successful one involved a pilot taking control of the plane himself.
The Consequences of the Plot
The US Justice Department emphasized that Abdullah’s actions were part of a broader al-Shabaab strategy to replicate the 9/11 attacks. Assistant Attorney-General for National Security John A. Eisenberg stated, “Today, justice has been served.” He highlighted that the efforts of US law enforcement had prevented a potentially catastrophic attack, saving many lives.
US Attorney Jay Clayton praised the investigative work of the FBI and prosecutors, stating that Abdullah was a “highly trained al-Shabaab operative” who sought to recreate the 9/11 attacks. He added that Abdullah was prepared to die during his attack and will now spend decades in prison, unable to harm innocent Americans.
Al-Shabaab: A Prolific Terrorist Group
Al-Shabaab, officially known as Hakarat al-Shabaab al-Mujahideen, is an al-Qaeda affiliate based in Somalia. It has carried out numerous violent attacks across East Africa, including suicide bombings and assaults on civilian targets. The group was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the US in February 2008.
In May 2018, al-Shabaab announced its participation in al-Qaeda's campaign to retaliate against the US’s decision to move its embassy to Jerusalem. The operation, called “al-Qudsu Lan Tuhawwad,” saw the group claim responsibility for several attacks.
Denouncing Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland
In a recent statement, al-Shabaab denounced Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent country. A senior spokesperson, Ali Dheere, claimed that Israel’s move was an attempt to expand into Somali territories and support what he described as an “apostate administration” in the northwest region.
The group released a written statement titled “Zionists not welcome in Somalia,” in which they accused Zionists of harboring enmity toward Muslims and warned against allowing them to violate Somali sanctity. This response followed Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s announcement that Israel would be the first country to recognize Somaliland’s independence.
