Yemeni National Pleads Guilty To Conspiring To Kill U.S. Soldiers In Afghanistan

Earlier today, Ali Alvi al-Hamidi, a Yemeni national, pleaded guilty to conspiring to murder U.S. nationals abroad, conspiring to provide material support to al-Qaeda, and receiving military-type training from al-Qaeda.  Today’s guilty plea took place before United States District Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis.  At sentencing, al-Hamidi faces a maximum of life imprisonment.

The guilty plea was announced by Robert L. Capers, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, John P. Carlin, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, and Paul M. Abbate, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Washington Field Office.

“Today’s significant guilty plea demonstrates this office’s unwavering commitment to bring to justice those who fight against U.S. forces or assist al-Qaeda and others in their efforts to kill Americans at home or abroad,” stated United States Attorney Capers.  Mr. Capers extended his grateful appreciation to the FBI’s Washington Field Office for their efforts. 

“Ali Alvi al-Hamidi went to the FATA to join al-Qaeda, received training from the terrorist organization, and later fought alongside the Taliban against coalition forces in Afghanistan.  With this plea, he will be held accountable for his terrorist activity, including conspiring to kill members of our military,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin.  “The highest priority of the National Security Division is countering terrorist threats, and we will continue to use all tools available to bring justice to those who seek to harm American servicemen and women who bravely risk their lives in defense of our nation,” said Assistant Attorney General Carlin. 

“As we witnessed today, those who support designated foreign terrorist organizations like al Qaeda and seek to harm people will be held fully accountable under the law,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge, Abbate.  “On a daily basis, the FBI and its partners face the challenge of an ever evolving threat environment.  Through our partnerships, both international and domestic, the FBI continues to track down those who aid and abet terrorist groups and ensure that they are brought to justice.” 

In early 2008, al-Hamidi traveled to the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) of Pakistan to join al-Qaeda.  Once there, he received training from al-Qaeda in the use of weapons, explosives, and detonators.  During late spring and summer 2008, al-Hamidi moved on to Afghanistan with Taliban forces for the purpose of fighting members of the United States military and coalition forces stationed there. 

Alvi also aided U.S. citizen Bryant Neal Vinas entry into al-Qaeda.  Vinas had traveled to Pakistan from Long Island hoping to join al-Qaeda and fight U.S. military forces in Afghanistan.  After participating in al-Qaeda’s military training program, Vinas and senior al-Qaeda external operations leadership devised a plan to conduct an attack on the Long Island Railroad in New York.  Vinas was arrested in 2008 before he could carry out this attack. Vinas pleaded guilty in 2009 to conspiracy to murder U.S. nationals, providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, and receiving military type training from a foreign terrorist organization.  He is currently incarcerated pending sentence.

The government’s case is being prosecuted by the Office’s National Security & Cybercrime Section.  Assistant United States Attorneys Zainab Ahmad, Michael P. Canty, and Douglas M. Pravda are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance provided by Trial Attorney Josh Parecki of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

The Defendant:

ALI ALVI AL-HAMIDI
Age: 31
Nationality: Yemeni

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 15-CR-56