CINCINNATI, OH – Laith Waleed Alebbini, 28, is headed to federal prison for fifteen years after a bench trial revealed his intent to join the ranks of ISIS. The Jordanian-born U.S. legal permanent resident was convicted of attempting to provide material support and resources – specifically, himself – to the terrorist group. Federal authorities arrested Alebbini at Cincinnati/Kentucky International Airport on April 26, 2017, just as he was about to board a flight with a final destination of Syria.
According to court documents and testimony, Alebbini wasn’t merely considering a trip; he was actively preparing to wage war. Just six days before his arrest, during a desperate plea from a friend urging him to reconsider, Alebbini chillingly declared his intentions: “The Islamic State is fighting a survival war… I, cousin, want to go to be an inghimasi soldier.” Prosecutors detailed that an “inghimasi soldier” is a particularly dangerous type of suicide bomber, designed to inflict maximum casualties.
The evidence painted a stark picture of a man fully committed to a violent ideology. Hours before heading to the airport, Alebbini received a barrage of pleas from family members begging him to abandon his plans. His response? A series of defiant text messages: “Do you think I am a criminal?” followed immediately by “I am a terrorist” and finally, “I am mujahid.” Alebbini possessed a ticket and boarding pass for a flight to Amman, Jordan, with a connection in Istanbul, Turkey – a known transit point for foreign fighters traveling to join ISIS in Syria.
U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman minced no words following the sentencing. “Alebbini was prepared to kill soldiers and citizens of the United States, the Kingdom of Jordan, and coalition partners fighting against ISIS. Indeed, Alebbini was prepared to kill any person who did not accept ISIS as the Islamic Caliphate,” Glassman stated bluntly. “Prison is the right place for him.” Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers echoed those sentiments, emphasizing that Alebbini “declared that he is a terrorist and decided to move forward with his plan to join ISIS.”
The investigation, led by the Joint Terrorism Task Force, involved a massive collaborative effort from multiple agencies, including the FBI, U.S. Secret Service, ICE, and numerous local and state police departments. The task force successfully disrupted Alebbini’s plans and brought him to justice. The case was prosecuted by First Assistant Vipal J. Patel and Assistant U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace of the Southern District of Ohio, along with Trial Attorney Justin Sher of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by foreign terrorist organizations and the dedication of law enforcement agencies to protect national security. Alebbini’s 15-year sentence sends a clear message: attempting to provide material support to ISIS, even through personal travel and participation in violence, will be met with the full force of the law. The Grimy Times will continue to monitor federal prosecutions related to terrorism and national security threats.
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Key Facts
- Agency: U.S. Secret Service
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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