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An American citizen living in Minnesota who previously fought for the Islamic State (ISIS) in Syria has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison.
Abelhamid Al-Madioum, 27, expressed remorse and cried in court as he was sentenced. According to prosecutors, Al-Madioum cooperated during their investigations, contributing to the prosecution’s recommendation for a reduced sentence. During his sentencing, US District Judge Ann Montgomery called his journey from a” loving Minnesota home” to joining one of the world’s most notorious terror organizations “extraordinary.”
In court, Al-Madioum thanked the US government for “another chance” and emotionally addressed his parents and two young sons, who were rescued from a Syrian orphanage and brought to America with federal assistance. He said, “I know I put you through so much, and I did with the belief that it was my religious duty. That’s no excuse. My first duty should have been to you.”
Prosecutors recommended a 12-year sentence, arguing that Al-Madioum’s suffering did not mitigate the seriousness of his crimes. Al-Madioum’s attorney, Manvir Atwal, requested a seven-year sentence, arguing that his rejection of extremist ideology and cooperation with the government in other terrorism cases.
Al-Madioum’s road to ISIS:
Al-Madioum’s journey to ISIS began at 18 when he was recruited during a family visit to Morocco. He left for Syria, becoming an ISIS soldier until he was severely injured in Iraq. Following his injury, he used his computer skills to aid the group. His court testimony revealed personal losses, including the death of his first wife. After surrendering to the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in 2019, he was eventually brought back to the US to face justice.
Al-Madioum is among several Minnesotans suspected of joining the Islamic State, part of a broader trend that saw thousands of foreign fighters join the group. His case stands out as one of the few where an American who fought for ISIS and was repatriated to face charges. As of 2023, he is one of only 11 adults formally repatriated from Syria and Iraq for terrorist-related crimes, with others receiving sentences ranging from four years to life imprisonment.
