Rezwan Ferdaus held over Pentagon and Capitol bomb plot

[Roybot]

A 26-year-old US citizen has been arrested for allegedly plotting to fly explosive-packed, remote controlled planes into the Pentagon and the US Capitol in Washington DC.

Rezwan Ferdaus was also charged with attempting to supply materials to al-Qaeda and aid attacks on US soldiers. The Northeastern University physics graduate is accused of planning to commit "jihad" since early 2010.Mr Ferdaus was arrested in Boston after an undercover investigation by the FBI.

Attack supplies

Announcing his arrest, the US Department of Justice described an elaborate operation over a period of months leading up to the arrest of Mr Ferdaus. Authorities said he designed and supplied undercover operatives with a total of eight mobile phone detonators intended to be used by al-Qaeda operatives to set off bombs in the Middle East.

During a June 2011 meeting, Mr Ferdaus was told that his first phone detonation device had killed three US soldiers and injured four or five others in Iraq. "That was exactly what I wanted," he reportedly told the undercover agents. Also during 2011, Mr Ferdaus began speaking to the agents about his desire to organise an attack on the Pentagon, home of the US military, and the Capitol building in Washington DC, seat of the US Congress.

Posing as accomplices, they then supplied him with C-4 explosives, a remote-controlled plane and arms.Mr Ferdaus was arrested on Wednesday immediately after putting the newly delivered weapons in a storage container, the FBI said.


The Pentagon was previously attacked in 2001 when the 9/11 hijackers flew a plane into the building "The conduct alleged today shows that Mr Ferdaus had long planned to commit violent acts against our country, including attacks on the Pentagon and our nation's Capitol," US Attorney Carmen Ortiz said.

However, Ms Ortiz, US Attorney for Massachusetts, added: "The public was never in danger from the explosives," which were controlled by undercover FBI employees. If convicted, Mr Ferdaus could face up to 15 years in jail for providing support and resources to a foreign terrorist organisation and up to 20 years in prison for attempting to destroy national defence premises.

Richard DesLauriers, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Boston Division, said law enforcement agencies in the area had worked together to "detect, deter, and prevent terrorism"."We have an obligation to take action to protect the public whenever an individual expresses a desire to commit violence," he said.

BBC News - Rezwan Ferdaus held over Pentagon and Capitol bomb plot

---------- Post added at 07:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:06 PM ----------

Rezwan Ferdaus, a U.S.-born citizen of Bangladeshi background, was arrested Wednesday in an FBI undercover operation and accused of planning to build small explosive-laden drones to attack the Pentagon and the U.S. Capitol, according to law enforcement officials.

FBI affidavit on Rezwan Ferdaus - The Washington Post

Another terrorist scum bites the dust.

 

[Major Ram]

These terrorists leaders are so talented. They are successfully recruiting educated Muslims for their god damn Jihad! One more down. Many still to go.

 

[RezRoll]

I still have no idea how this terrorist manage to recruit US-born, educated Muslims to serve their cause.

Wouldn't staying and growing up in US their entire life's make them pro-American?

 

[Roybot]

I still have no idea how this terrorist manage to recruit US-born, educated Muslims to serve their cause.

Wouldn't staying and growing up in US their entire life's make them pro-American?

I reckon its the other way round. Its these individuals who approach such organizations, through internet probably.

HAH he is your namesake

 

[RezRoll]

I reckon its the other way round. Its these individuals who approach these organizations through internet probably.

Yes, but this people are living comfortably in US with a good education. Why would you want to give up all that to join a terrorist organization?

HAH he is your namesake

 

[Major Ram]

I still have no idea how this terrorist manage to recruit US-born, educated Muslims to serve their cause.

Wouldn't staying and growing up in US their entire life's make them pro-American?

Like I said, the leaders of terrorists organisations are so talented. They have the ability to brainwash anyone. Wish they could have used that quality for the good cause.

 

[VCheng]

USAMA via AFP - Getty Images

A remote-control model of a 1950s U.S. Navy Sabre jet fighter that prosecutors said belonged to Rezwan Ferdaus is seen in this undated photo released by the United States Attorney's Office District of Massachusetts.


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Cool model airplane!