Federal authorities have announced the arrest of three U.S. citizens accused of supporting ISIS and helping facilitate plans that allegedly targeted American military personnel overseas. The arrests underscore a sobering reality that many Americans would prefer not to think about: the threat of terrorism is still very real, and sometimes it originates from within the United States itself.
According to the Department of Justice, federal agents arrested Bisaam Ghafoor, 21, of Leawood, Kansas; Elias Shamsaldeen, 21, of Porterville, California; and Bereen Dzayee, 25, of Lakeside, California, on June 5. The three men have been charged with conspiring to provide material support to ISIS, the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, a designated foreign terrorist organization.
The allegations laid out in the criminal complaint are deeply disturbing.
Federal investigators say the defendants communicated through Discord chats, voice calls, and other messaging platforms between February 2025 and June 2026. During those conversations, prosecutors allege the men discussed providing personnel, money, and services to ISIS. Authorities also say the defendants pledged allegiance to ISIS and its leadership while participating in online groups that promoted extremist violence.
The complaint further alleges that the men openly discussed attacks against American military personnel.
According to investigators, Ghafoor reportedly said it would be “sick” if his name were written on a drone used in an attack against Americans. Dzayee allegedly suggested that U.S. Special Forces should be targeted by drones. Shamsaldeen allegedly expressed a desire to stab a U.S. servicemember.
Perhaps most shocking were comments attributed to Ghafoor, who allegedly stated that he had always wanted to kill a female soldier by beheading and declared, “I wish I could kill 300,000,000 Americans.”
Authorities say the defendants collectively sent more than $2,000 to an individual they believed was affiliated with ISIS. Prosecutors allege that some of those funds were intended to purchase drones that would be used to attack and kill American troops deployed overseas.
Investigators also claim the defendants discussed using cryptocurrency schemes to help acquire weapons. In one particularly chilling allegation, Ghafoor’s name was reportedly written on a rocket-propelled grenade projectile that was purportedly intended for use in an overseas attack against U.S. servicemembers.
Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche praised the operation, stating that the arrests demonstrate the administration’s commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and preventing attacks before they occur.
FBI Director Kash Patel echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that investigators stopped the alleged plot before violence could be carried out against American personnel.
The case serves as a reminder of the critical work performed every day by federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies. While the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court, the allegations paint a troubling picture of radicalization, hatred, and support for one of the world’s most notorious terrorist organizations.
If convicted, each defendant faces up to 20 years in federal prison and fines of up to $250,000. For the families of American servicemembers stationed around the world, many will likely view these arrests as a welcome example of law enforcement stopping a potential threat before tragedy could strike.
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