US Jailed Pakistani Doctor For Aiding Daesh

Muhammad Masood, a 31-year-old Pakistani doctor living in the US on a work visa, has received an 18-year prison term for his attempt to aid the terrorist group Daesh. As per a press release from the US Department of Justice, Masood, residing in Rochester, was sentenced to 216 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for his involvement in trying to provide support to a foreign terrorist organization.

Court documents revealed that Masood had previously worked as a research coordinator at a medical clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, under an H-1B visa. His actions between January 2020 and March 2020 aimed at joining the militant group and aiding its activities within the US.

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Using encrypted messaging, he attempted to travel overseas to join the terrorist organization. He expressed allegiance to Daesh and its leader, with plans of carrying out “lone wolf” attacks in the US. His initial plan to travel to Syria was thwarted due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. He then intended to travel from Minneapolis to Los Angeles and then via cargo ship to reach Daesh territory.

However, he was apprehended by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force upon his arrival at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport on March 19, 2020. Having pleaded guilty on August 16 of the prior year, he was sentenced to 18 years in prison on Friday by Senior Judge Paul A. Magnuson following an extensive FBI investigation.