ISIS Threatens Christmas Attacks to Counter Its Reduction in Power

A number of intelligence officials and security reports have verified the drastic reduction in the power and strength of the super-terrorist organization Islam State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) also known as Daesh in Arabic.

During his two-terms as President, Barack Obama and his administration –including his news media allies — preferred calling the group the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). He believed that ISIL more accurately described its geographical location as the Levant which encompasses Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian territory.

This week Clarion Project’s Shillman Fellow and National Security Analyst Prof. Ryan Mauro spoke about the ISIS terrorist threat during the Christmas holiday. He also discussed their ideological strategy.

Prof. Mauro is also urging congressional hearings on the Obama Administration’s Hezbollah scandal — allowing the terror group to peddle drugs to the U.S. — to include other obstructions of America’s counter-terrorism leviathan.

While ISIS, al-Qaeda, Al-Shabbab, the Taliban, Boko Haram and other radical Islamic groups boast about their power and ability, some intelligence officials believe it’s all bluster and that the terrorists are limited in their capability to attack the United States.

But former police counter-terrorism unit supervisor, Det. Sgt. Carlos Murphy, believes the treat to Americans is still very real. He points to a report released by the U.S. Justice Department on a Muslim terrorist discovering his fate in an American prison.

ISIS Conspiracy Case Heard in U.S. Court Six Days Before Christmas

On Dec. 19, 2017, an Everett, Massachusetts, man was sentenced to 28 years in federal prison for conspiring with other suspects to give help and material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). He and his co-conspirators also planned to kill persons within the United States.

David Daoud Wright, a/k/a Dawud Sharif Abdul Khaliq, a/k/a Dawud Sharif Abdul Khaliq, 28, of Everett was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young to 28 years in prison.

In October 2017, Wright was found guilty of the charges by a federal jury. Those charges included conspiracy to provide material support to ISIS, conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and obstruction of justice.

“David Wright conspired with others to commit violent attacks here in the United States at the direction of ISIS,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Dana James Boente.  “This successful prosecution demonstrates that the Department of Justice will not waver in its commitment to bring justice to those who provide support and encourage violence on behalf of ruthless terrorist organizations.”

“Mr. Wright plotted to kill innocent Americans on behalf of ISIS,” said Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb.  “Despite the fact that he was born in Massachusetts, Mr. Wright turned against his country and joined a radical terrorist organization. He became a soldier of ISIS and recruited U.S. citizens to commit attacks within the United States aimed at killing civilians and police officers.  Today’s sentence affirms our commitment to protecting the public and prosecuting those who pledge alliance to our enemies.”

“Today’s sentencing of David Wright finally holds him accountable for betraying his country, obstructing justice, and conspiring to support a brutally violent terrorist organization,” said Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Field Division.

“The spread of the ISIS ideology and it’s savagery against innocents around the world, was found right here at home, by an extremely unpredictable and dangerous person who radicalized to support an imprudent call to jihad. Through the dogged efforts of the FBI and our partners within the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Joint Terrorism Task Forces, who tirelessly work day-in and day-out to identify and thwart those who pose a serious threat, we clearly showed Mr. Wright was a soldier of ISIS, and a very real threat to national security and public safety.  This case truly highlights the importance of law enforcement collaboration here and around the world, and I’m grateful for the dedication of those committed to keeping the Commonwealth safe,” SAC Shaw stated.

Former U.S. Marine Arrested for Terrorist Threats

After a tough week of negative media attention, the FBI were able to report on an   investigation in which Everitt Aaron Jameson, a 26-year-old former U.S. Marine, was arrested and charged Friday with his attempt to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.

A federal complaint was unsealed Friday, charging Jameson of Modesto, California with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, Attorney General Jeff Sessions and United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, Jameson had several online interactions with a confidential source in which he expressed support for the October 31, 2017, terrorist attack in New York City and offered his services for “the cause.”

In subsequent communications with an FBI undercover agent, Jameson referred to his training in the U.S. military and noted he had undergone intense training for combat and modern warfare.  Jameson later met with another undercover agent whom he believed to be associated with the senior leadership of the foreign terrorist organization, ISIS (the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria).  During his interactions with this undercover agent, Jameson offered to carry out violent missions and to help with financial support for the international jihad.

“The Department of Justice works resolutely every day to prevent terrorist attacks,” noted Attorney General Jeff Sessions.  “In my time back at the [Justice] Department, nothing has impressed me more.  Today, our incredible law enforcement officers have once again helped thwart an alleged plot to kill Americans. I want to thank the FBI agents and federal prosecutors and everyone else who helped make this possible. The threat from radical Islamic terrorism is real—and it is serious—but the American people can be assured that the Department of Justice remains vigilant in protecting our homeland.”

U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert stated, “I want to express my thanks to the FBI for working in partnership with my office on this case.  We are grateful that our hardworking law enforcement partners remain vigilant in protecting our communities, especially during this holiday season.”