Eight more Somalis charged in Minn. terror probe

This is in connection with an alarming amount of young Somalis disappearing with some reappearing in Somalia fighting for the Islamists.

Federal authorities are due to unseal charges against eight new suspects in a long-running probe of young men who left the United States to fight in Somalia. As many as 20 young Somali men have left Minnesota over the last two years and are believed to have joined the Somali terror group al-Shabab. At least three have died. The charges announced Monday include accusations that the men provided financial support to those who traveled to the East Africa country to fight on behalf of al-Shabab and also fought on behalf of the group, which the U.S. has designated a terror organization. Court records indicate that between September 2007 and October 2009, about 20 young men — all but one of Somali descent — left Minnesota for Somalia, where they are accused of training with al-Shabab to fight against Ethiopian forces. Prosecutors claim that while in Somalia, the young men were trained to use military weapons, including rocket-propelled grenades, and tactics. A total of 14 people — including the eight announced Monday — have been charged in the investigation. Four have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Seven are not in custody and are believed to be outside the United States.