Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Brandt Williams
MINNEAPOLIS

Somalis convicted of terrorism links to be sentenced

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

A group of Somali men and women convicted of terrorism-related felonies will be sentenced this week in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis.

Among those facing prison time is a man who recruited young Somali men from Minnesota to travel to the Horn of Africa to fight for the terrorist group al-Shabab. Late last year a jury found Mahamud Said Omar guilty of five counts of terrorism-related felonies -- including 'conspiracy to kill, kidnap, maim and injure' -- which carries a potential life sentence.

Two Rochester women convicted in 2011 of sending money to al-Shabab also face 30 years or more in prison.

The convictions are part of what federal officials call Operation Rhino, a sweeping investigation of al-Shabab recruitment in the United States. Since, 2007 about two dozen young Twin Cities men are believed to have left for Somalia to join the group as fighters. Federal prosecutors say they found no evidence that the al-Shabab recruits were planning any attacks in the U.S.