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US Man Pleads Guilty to Trying to Help Islamic State

by VOA News

   A Virginia man has pleaded guilty to trying to help Islamic State
   militants, and he faces up to 20 years in prison.

   The U.S. Justice Department said Haris Qamar, 26, tried to help Islamic
   State militants encourage lone wolf attacks in Washington, D.C.

   Qamar told a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, Monday that he used
   social media to connect with people to promote Islamic State.

   Prosecutors say Qamar worked with a government informant to photograph
   and film landmarks in the Washington region, including the Pentagon.

   "This case demonstrates the reach terrorist organizations have through
   social media and the threat that they pose to our national security,"
   said Assistant Director in Charge Paul Abbate. "When Qamar could not
   travel overseas, he attempted to assist ISIL's propaganda campaign for
   the purpose of inspiring lone wolf attacks in the Washington, D.C.,
   area."

   ISIL is one of several acronyms for Islamic State.

   The Justice Department said Qamar wanted to travel overseas to join
   Islamic State, but his parents prevented him by taking away his
   passport. It said Qamar told the informant that if his parents gave him
   back his passport, "I'm done, I leave."