Mokhtar Belmokhtar, 8-Count Terror Attack, New York 2013
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara announced the filing of charges against Mokhtar Belmokhtar for his alleged role in the January 2013 terrorist attack on a Western-owned gas processing facility near In Amenas, Algeria, which killed three Americans and scores of Algerian and foreign nationals.
According to the Amended Complaint, Belmokhtar is charged with conspiracy to provide material support to al Qaeda and al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), hostage-taking conspiracy, kidnapping of internationally protected persons, and conspiring to use a weapon of mass destruction.
Belmokhtar, a key leader of al Qaeda’s efforts in North Africa, orchestrated terror attacks involving the kidnapping and murder of numerous individuals in support of al Qaeda, including a four-month kidnapping of two Western diplomats working in Niger in 2008.
The charges further allege that Belmokhtar formed his own terrorist organization, the Al-Mulathamin Brigade and its battalion, “The Signers in Blood,” which pledged fealty to al Qaeda.
“As alleged, Mokhtar Belmokhtar unleashed a reign of terror years ago, in furtherance of his self-proclaimed goal of waging bloody jihad against the West,” Bharara said. “For the victims, their families, and their friends, who hail from all over the world, five days must have seemed like an eternity. Belmokhtar brought terror and blood to these innocent people and now we intend to bring Belmokhtar to justice, as charged.”
Belmokhtar remains at large, and authorities are working to bring him to justice for his alleged crimes.
The charges against Belmokhtar are a significant blow to al Qaeda’s efforts in North Africa, and demonstrate the U.S. government’s commitment to holding those responsible for terrorism accountable.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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