Ex-Sailor Convicted in Terrorism Case

On Wednesday, March 5, a former Navy sailor was convicted of leaking details about ship movements to suspected terrorist supporters.

Hassan Abu-Jihaad, 32, of Phoenix was convicted of providing material support to terrorists and disclosing classified national defense information on the second day of jury deliberations.

The America born Muslim, formally known as Paul R. Hall, was serving on the USS Benfold, a Navy destroyer, where his primary position was Signalman.

From at least August 21, 2000, through September 2, 2001, Abu-Jihaad communicated, through E-mail, with individuals at Azzam Publications, a group operating to recruit members to become mujahideen, Muslim holy warriors, and to solicit and raise funds for jihad.

About April 2001, Abu-Jihaad transmitted to Azzam Publications classified information about a United States Navy battle group, in which his ship the USS Benfold was part of.

The information was dubbed “SECRET” and discussed, in great detail, the makeup of the battle group, each of its member ships, the specifications, assignments and mission of each ship, the battle group’s planned movements, and a drawing of the group’s formation when it was to pass through the Straits of Hormuz.

The electronic document stated, “The battle group was tasked with enforcing sanctions against Iraq and conducting operations against Afghanistan, including the Taliban and Al Qaeda.”

The document even told when the battle group was scheduled to pass through the Straits of Hormuz, April 29, 2001, at night, in a communication blackout.

It also described its vulnerability to a terrorist attack, ‘They have nothing to stop a small craft with RPG etc, except their Seals’ stinger missiles.’

Federal prosecutors said he admitted disclosing military intelligence and that he sympathized with the enemy. But they acknowledged they had no direct proof that he leaked the ship details.

For his offence Abu-Jihaad faces up to 25 years in federal prison when he is sentenced in May. His attorney, Dan LaBelle, said an appeal is likely. 

---

Add Comments

Join Our E-Mail list

Christian Action Network
Pamphlets

---

Order your copy of
"Jihad in America!"

---

Order your copy of
"Homegrown Islamic Terrorism"

---

Order your copy of
"Terror in Our Schools"