U.S. condemns Kenyan national’s plot to replicate 9/11 attacks

American authorities have condemned Cholo Abdi Abdullah, a Kenyan citizen and member of the al-Shabaab militant group, for attempting to carry out a terror attack reminiscent of the September 11 attacks.

The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Damian Williams, described Abdullah, 34, as plotting “one of the most heinous terrorist acts in history.”

Williams stated that Abdullah underwent extensive training with al-Shabaab in Somalia, gaining the skills necessary to become “a deadly terrorist, preparing to hijack an airliner and crash it into a building in the United States.”

Reports indicate that Abdullah was close to obtaining a commercial pilot’s license while planning his attack and communicated his progress to senior al-Shabaab leaders via encrypted channels.

“The jury determined that Cholo Abdi Abdullah conspired to kill Americans in a terrorist attack reminiscent of the 9/11 assault on our country, and today’s conviction ensures that Abdullah will spend decades behind bars,” Williams added.

The jury found Abdullah guilty on six charges, including conspiring to provide material support to a terrorist organization, conspiring to kill American citizens, committing acts of aerial terrorism, and conspiring to destroy aircraft.

Abdullah faces up to 60 years in prison along with three potential life sentences.

A final ruling by the U.S. court is expected on March 10, 2025.