A federal investigation led to the arrest of three men accused of plotting a terrorist attack against US Special Forces using drones, grenades, and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). Among those detained was a 25-year-old navy sailor from California. The suspects reportedly communicated for over a year about extremist intentions, including their alleged plans to provide material support to ISIS and conduct lethal attacks on American military personnel.
The investigation began when an FBI confidential informant posing as an ISIS member engaged with the three suspects in an online extremist forum. The men expressed their commitment to ISIS and discussed plans to acquire weapons and funding for their operation. Court documents reveal disturbing comments, including one suspect's desire to kill a female soldier by beheading and a wish to kill millions of Americans.
Visual evidence presented by prosecutors includes a photo showing multiple RPGs and firearms loaded in the back of a pickup truck, with one RPG bearing Arabic writing that reportedly translated to the name of one of the suspects. Authorities allege the men intended to use these weapons in an attack designed to kill US soldiers.
According to the criminal complaint, one suspect planned to secure employment to finance the purchase of an AK-47 and ammunition to further prepare for combat aligned with ISIS goals. Another suspect reportedly received encouragement from his family to pursue extremist activities. The trio's discussions extended to leaving the country to join ISIS overseas.
The United States District Court in Kansas is handling the case, which underscores ongoing concerns about domestic radicalization and the ability of extremist networks to recruit individuals within US military ranks. The men face federal charges related to terrorism, material support of a terrorist organization, and conspiracy to commit violent acts against American forces.