Local & Statewide News

Ohio Man Pleads Guilty In Islamic State Training Case

WOSU 89.7 NPR News | By The Associated Press Ohio

Published November 2, 2021 at 8:32 AM EDT

In this photo taken Oct. 28, 2014, two Jordanian men walk past graffiti depicting the flag of the Islamic State group ISIS. (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser)

An Ohio man has pleaded guilty to a terrorism offense related to an attempt to fly overseas to train with an Islamic State-affiliated group.

According to court documents, Naser Almadaoji, 22, an Iraqi-born U.S. citizen of Beavercreek, purchased a plane ticket for travel on Oct. 24, 2018, and was arrested at John Glenn International Airport after checking in and obtaining his boarding pass.

The defendant intended to travel to Astana, Kazahkstan, where he planned to be smuggled into Afghanistan so that he could join and receive military training from ISIS-K in support of both that terrorist group and ISIS.

Almadaoji had pleaded not guilty in 2018 to a federal charge of attempting to provide material support and resources to a foreign terrorist organization. The government has said Almadaoji unsuccessfully tried to join a terrorist group after traveling to Egypt and Jordan.

Almadaoji pleaded guilty Friday to the same charge, which carries a possible punishment of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is set for Jan. 31.