NewsLa OpiniónOctober 28, 2026Los Angeles County
US citizen Halima Salman convicted of receiving ISIS military training in Syria
Photo: La Opinión
A New York woman was convicted of receiving weapons training from ISIS after prosecutors presented evidence of her swearing loyalty to the terrorist group and posing with an assault rifle. She faces up to 10 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for February 2. The defense argued she was trapped in Syria as an adolescent by her father and forced into marriage, but prosecutors maintained she participated voluntarily.
Read the full story at La OpiniónWhy It Matters
The federal conviction establishes criminal accountability for a U.S. citizen who joined a designated foreign terrorist organization, carrying a potential sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison.
Key Facts
- Halima Salman, a U.S. citizen born in Brooklyn, was found guilty of receiving military weapons training from ISIS in Syria.
- Prosecutors presented a video of Salman holding an assault rifle, a photo with the group's flag, and affectionate text messages sent to her husband.
- The defense argued Salman was taken to Syria as a teenager by her father and trapped in a forced marriage, testifying that leaving meant death.
- The conviction carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison.
- Sentencing for Salman is scheduled for February 2.
- Salman's father died after being wounded in a 2018 airstrike in Syria.
- During cross-examination, prosecutors had Salman admit to sending her husband a religious song about Osama bin Laden.
Who's Mentioned
OrganizationEstado Islámico“Terrorist group operating in Iraq and Syria.”locationBrooklyn“Birthplace of Halima Salman.”PersonOsama bin Laden“Mentioned in a religious song Salman sent to her husband.”locationSiria“Country where the defendant lived and received training.”locationEstados Unidos“Country of origin and citizenship of Salman and her mother.”locationTurquía“Country the family initially believed they were visiting.”PersonHalima Salman“Defendant convicted of receiving military training from ISIS.”PersonJoseph Nocella Jr.“Federal prosecutor who issued a statement on the verdict.”locationNueva York“Home state of the defendant.”locationIrak“Country where ISIS seized territory and was later defeated.”OrganizationCBS News“News organization that reported on the courtroom reactions.”locationCarolina del Norte“State referenced in a related news brief regarding a thwarted terrorist attack.”locationPensilvania“State referenced in a related news brief.”OrganizationFBI“Federal agency referenced in a related headline.”PersonAbu Ali“German-Afghan ISIS combatant and husband of Halima Salman.”