U.S. puts $10 million bounty on Americans suspected of helping terrorists in Somalia

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By Shaun Waterman

The Washington Times

Thursday, March 21, 2013

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Uncle Sam is offering $10 million in reward money for information leading to the capture of a pair of Americans working with terrorist outfits in Somalia.

The feds announced a $5 million reward for for help in hunting down Alabama-born Omar Shafik Hammam, known as the rapping Jihadi.

Mr. Hammami moved to Somalia in 2006 to join al Shabaab, the Somalia-based al Qaeda-affiliate that has fought a long-running insurgency against the U.N.-backed transitional government there.

The FBI and State Department also announced a $5 million bounty on former California resident Jehad Serwan Mostafa, who is believed to be in Somalia with al-Shabab.

Both are wanted for conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, including their
“significant contributions” to al Shabaab’s media and military activities, the FBI said.

Mr. Hammami became notorious after he posted YouTube videos featuring him rapping angry criticism of the U.S. while hailing the dedication and bravery of fellow Jihadis.

He appears to have fallen out with al Shabab in recent months and said last year that the group was trying to kill him.

About the Author

Shaun Waterman

Shaun Waterman is an award-winning reporter for The Washington Times, covering foreign affairs, defense and cybersecurity. He was a senior editor and correspondent for United Press International for nearly a decade, and has covered the Department of Homeland Security since 2003. His reporting on the Sept. 11 Commission and the tortuous process by which some of its recommendations finally became ...