The FBI arrested three men after a yearlong investigation into alleged ISIS-linked activity that prosecutors say targeted U.S. Special Forces. Authorities allege the suspects pledged allegiance to ISIS, discussed joining overseas and planned to acquire weapons such as drones, grenades and rocket-propelled grenades. Recorded communications were with an undercover FBI source and included violent statements, according to the complaint. Each defendant faces up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted.
Three Arrested in Alleged ISIS-Linked Plot Targeting U.S. Special Forces; Suspect's Lawyer Highlights College Plans
A California man is facing serious federal terrorism charges.
Federal authorities have arrested three U.S.-based men in connection with an alleged ISIS-linked plot that prosecutors say targeted U.S. Special Forces personnel. The arrests followed a yearlong FBI investigation that included an undercover confidential source and recorded communications described in a federal criminal complaint filed in Kansas.
Defendants and Allegations
Firearms and RPGs that purportedly were to be used to kill U.S. servicemembers. US DIstrict Court, Kansas
Authorities identified the defendants as Elias Shamsaldeen, 21, of Porterville, California; Bisaam Ghafoor, 21, of Leawood, Kansas; and Bereen Dzayee, 25, of Lakeside, near San Diego. Prosecutors allege that the three men pledged allegiance to ISIS, discussed providing material support for the organization and spoke about traveling overseas to join the group.
Undercover Contact and Alleged Planning
Bereen Dzayee in a Navy sailor uniform. Instagram/@dzayeeramez
Investigators say the men communicated with an individual they believed to be an ISIS contact; that person was in fact a confidential FBI source operating undercover. According to the complaint, recorded exchanges included repeated references to violence and operational planning: discussions about obtaining weapons and devices such as drones, grenades and rocket-propelled grenades, and possible use of such items against U.S. Special Forces personnel.
In one exchange cited by prosecutors, Ghafoor allegedly asked the undercover source, "How many do you hope to kill?" He is also accused of saying, "I wish I could kill 300,000,000 Americans." These statements are part of the allegations in the complaint.
Investigation Timeline
Dzayee told the CHS that he was at an ATM and attempting to send funds. US DIstrict Court, Kansas
Officials say the probe began in May 2025 after a confidential human source encountered the group in an online forum. From there, the FBI monitored and recorded communications that, according to prosecutors, escalated into pledges of allegiance and discussions tied to extremist violence.
Defense And Legal Status
Ghafoor and Dzayee talked about their money-making scheme and offered to send money via cryptocurrency. US DIstrict Court, Kansas
Shamsaldeen's court-appointed attorney, Peter Jones, said he has had limited contact with his client but disputed the allegations based on his current knowledge. Jones described Shamsaldeen as a recent Porterville Community College graduate planning to transfer to California State University, Fresno to study civil engineering, and noted his client has no prior criminal record.
Potential Penalties
All three defendants face federal charges that, if proven, could carry penalties of up to 20 years in prison for conspiring to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. The men are presumed innocent unless and until convicted in a court of law.
Note: The information above reflects allegations contained in a federal complaint and statements from law enforcement and defense counsel. The defendants have not been proven guilty.
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