Troutdale, OR – Hawazen Sameer Mothafar, an Iraqi immigrant, admitted in federal court this week to actively conspiring to provide material support to ISIS. The 33-year-old wasn’t wielding a weapon or planting bombs; his weapon of choice was the internet, used to churn out propaganda and recruit for the terrorist organization.
Federal prosecutors detailed how Mothafar, since arriving in the U.S. in 2014, became a key player in ISIS’s online network. He co-founded the Sunni Shield Foundation, a slickly-named organization that was anything but. The Foundation existed solely to create and distribute violent propaganda designed to glorify ISIS and push its twisted ideology. Mothafar wasn’t just a passive participant – he spearheaded the creation of the group’s first video, pilfering battle footage directly from official ISIS channels.
The feds say Mothafar’s ambition didn’t stop at video production. He actively encouraged viewers to travel to Iraq and Syria, to join the ranks of ISIS fighters and carry out attacks. This wasn’t just idle chatter; it was a calculated effort to funnel recruits into a brutal conflict zone. Beyond the Sunni Shield, Mothafar linked up with other pro-ISIS media groups, widening his network of support for the terrorist organization. He even gained permission to publish a particularly gruesome ISIS publication known as ‘Al Anfal’.
The investigation, led by the FBI’s Portland Field Office, revealed a complex web of online connections. Mothafar wasn’t operating in a vacuum. He collaborated with groups like the Khattab Media Foundation, helping produce propaganda magazines. He plastered ISIS news across channels on the Nashr News Agency, and even designed graphics for the Saqri Foundation. The scope of his involvement shows a dedicated, long-term commitment to supporting ISIS – from content creation to direct communication with ISIS officials.
Mothafar’s plea comes after a federal grand jury indicted him on multiple charges, including providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, making false statements on immigration paperwork, and lying to government agents. He’s looking at a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison when he’s sentenced on January 11, 2024. This case isn’t just about one man; it’s a stark reminder of how easily online platforms can be exploited to spread extremist ideologies.
Federal prosecutors are hoping this conviction sends a clear message: supporting terrorism, even from a computer screen, carries serious consequences. The FBI continues to monitor online activity for signs of radicalization, working to disrupt the flow of propaganda and prevent individuals from becoming involved with terrorist groups. The fight against ISIS is far from over, and the battleground now extends deeply into the digital world.
This case also highlights the challenges facing immigration officials. Mothafar entered the U.S. in 2014 and, according to the indictment, provided false statements during his application process. The feds will likely review procedures to identify potential security risks during vetting processes.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon is handling the prosecution, emphasizing the seriousness with which federal authorities are treating these types of cases. This conviction serves as a warning to anyone attempting to provide support – logistical, financial, or ideological – to designated terrorist organizations like ISIS.
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