Three Brooklyn, N.Y., men are accused of plotting to join or aid Islamic State in Syria. The Wall Street Journal says the case offers a glimpse into the militant group's recruiting tactics and how U.S. counterterrorism officials are fighting back. The charges are part of an effort by U.S. law enforcement to prevent Americans from joining extremist groups in the Mideast or acting on their behalf. Law-enforcement officials have cited threats from Islamic State as among the biggest risks to U.S. national security, moving it to the forefront of law-enforcement and intelligence priorities.
Akhror Saidakhmetov, 19, a Kazakhstan citizen legally residing in the U.S., was arrested yesterday at New York’s Kennedy International Airport, where he was attempting to board a flight to Istanbul. Abdurasul Hasanovich Juraboev, 24, was arrested in Brooklyn. Abror Habibov, 30, a citizen of Uzbekistan like Juraboev, was arrested in Jacksonville, Fl. All three are charged with attempting and conspiring to provide material support to Islamic State, also called ISIS or ISIL. The U.S. moves are part of a global effort to deprive Islamic State of support.