Three Men Charged in Alleged ISIS-Linked Attack Plot Against US Forces

Three men from California and Kansas have been charged in a plot allegedly linked to ISIS, aiming to attack US Special Forces with drones and grenades. The suspects reportedly communicated for over a year about their extremist plans, including intentions to join ISIS abroad. The community is shocked by the arrest, especially concerning one suspect's possible military background. This incident raises significant concerns about domestic terrorism and the reach of extremist ideologies within the United States. Read on for more details about the allegations and community reactions.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 7, 2026, 23:51 IST

Overview of the Charges

Authorities have charged three individuals—two from California and one from Kansas—in connection with a purported plot linked to ISIS aimed at attacking US Special Forces using drones and rocket-propelled grenades. The suspects, identified as 25-year-old Bereen Dzayee from Lakeside, near San Diego, 21-year-old Elias Shamsaldeen from Porterville, and 21-year-old Bisaam Ghafoor from Leawood, Kansas, were apprehended on Friday, according to reports.

A federal criminal complaint filed in Kansas indicates that the trio allegedly spent over a year discussing extremist activities, including plans to leave the US to join ISIS abroad.

Details of the Allegations

Specific Accusations

Prosecutors claim that the three men transferred $2,000 to an individual they believed had ties to ISIS for the procurement of rocket-propelled grenades and drones intended for an attack. Dzayee reportedly suggested using drones to target Special Forces, while Shamsaldeen allegedly expressed intentions to conduct a knife attack on a US serviceman. Ghafoor is accused of making numerous violent remarks, including a desire to have his name on a drone involved in an attack, and he reportedly made threats about beheading a female soldier and killing 300 million Americans.

Concerns Regarding Dzayee's Background

Military Status Under Scrutiny

While Pentagon officials have not verified Dzayee's military background, neighbors and a former classmate indicated to local media that he had served in the Navy, with images showing him in a sailor's uniform. Residents, including military families, expressed shock at the arrest, which contradicted their perceptions of him.

Community Reaction to the Arrest

Neighborhood Response

The arrest at Dzayee's home in Lakeside attracted significant attention from locals when tactical officers arrived in a white van and cordoned off the area. Agents conducted searches of the residence and garage while interviewing Dzayee's parents. One neighbor recounted feeling anxious upon seeing the Terrorist Task Force in their neighborhood and approached an FBI agent to inquire about potential dangers, only to be reassured that it was an arrest situation. Residents noted that Dzayee was generally a private individual who seldom interacted with others, which they found unusual for their community.