FBI issue public appeal to track Isis militants
American agency are specifically looking for American man seen in Isis video last month
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The FBI has appealed to the public for any information on individuals who may have travelled abroad to fight alongside Isis.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is also seeking details about an “English speaking” Islamic militant seen in a 55 minute video released by Isis, also known as the Islamic State, last month.
“We need the public's assistance in identifying US persons going to fight overseas with terrorist groups or who are returning home from fighting overseas,” said Michael Steinbach, assistant director of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division.
In a statement on the American agency’s official website Mr Steinbach continued: “No piece of information is too small.”
“Traditionally, the FBI would use other techniques to try to determine who the person was,” Boston FBI special agent Vincent Lisi said to CBS last night.
“We’ve come up empty there now so we need to reach out to the public.”
In the video, released on 19 September, the masked man alternates easily between Arabic and North American accented English as he stands in front of a collection of purported prisoners as they dig their own graves, before apparently presiding over their executions.
“If he is from America, and it sounds like he is, somebody is going to know him,” said Agent Lisi.
Around a dozen Americans are believed to be fighting in Syria under Isis.
“These home grown violent extremists are troubled souls who are seeking meaning in some misguided way,” FBI Director James Comey said during an interview on American news programme 60 Minutes.
The appeal comes as US authorities arrested a 19-year-old Illinois man on Saturday after he allegedly attempted to travel overseas in order to support terrorism.
Mohammed Hamzah Khan was charged earlier this week with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization operating inside Iraq and Syria.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments