Umm Sayyaf Charged in Kayla Jean Mueller’s Death

Alexandria, VA – Nisreen Assad Ibrahim Bahar, aka Umm Sayyaf, 25, an Iraqi citizen and wife of Abu Sayyaf, a senior leader within the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) until his death last year, was charged by criminal complaint today for her role in a conspiracy that resulted in the death of American citizen Kayla Jean Mueller in February 2015.

Kayla Jean Mueller’s kidnapping and death is a tragic reminder of the dangers that ISIL poses to Americans, said Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. We will continue to work alongside the FBI to investigate this case and remain steadfast in our pursuit of justice for the Mueller family.

The charges filed today allege that Umm Sayyaf and others conspired to provide material support to ISIL and that this conspiracy resulted in the death of Kayla Jean Mueller, said Assistant Attorney General Carlin. Sayyaf is currently in Iraqi custody for her terrorism-related activities.

The FBI continues to work tirelessly alongside our partners to hold accountable those who are responsible for the kidnapping and death of Kayla Mueller, said Paul M. Abbate, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office. This criminal complaint is another step toward achieving justice in the case.

According to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint, in August 2013, on their second full day in northern Syria, Mueller and Individual #1 were kidnapped at gunpoint by masked ISIL soldiers. Mueller remained a hostage of ISIL until her death on or about Feb. 7, 2015. Sayyaf was held in Iraqi custody for her terrorism-related activities.

We will continue to work with the authorities there to pursue our shared goal of holding Sayyaf accountable for her crimes, said Assistant Attorney General Carlin. At the same time, these charges reflect that the U.S. justice system remains a powerful tool to bring to bear against those who harm our citizens abroad. We will continue to pursue justice for Kayla and for all American victims of terrorism.

Defendant: Nisreen Assad Ibrahim Bahar (aka Umm Sayyaf)

Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to provide material support to ISIL

City, State: Alexandria, VA

Date: February 2015

Outcome: Currently in Iraqi custody

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