Former Navy Sailor Faces Charges in Terrorism Case

Hassan Abujihaad, of Phoenix, has been arrested on suspicion of releasing classified Navy information. The information the former enlisted man is suspected of transmitting ended up in the hands of a man suspected of being a sponsor of terrorism.

According to information released by the FBI on Wednesday, Abujihaad, also known as Paul R. Hall, transmitted information to Babar Ahmad. Ahmad is a computer specialist from Britain who was arrested in 2004. Ahmad is being accused of raising money for terrorism, and is awaiting extradition to the United States. He is being charged with supporting terrorism with an intent to kill Americans.

When arrested, Mr. Ahmad had classified information pertaining to the Navy ships in Mr. Abujihaad's battle group. In Mr. Ahmad's files was information regarding the planned route of the battle group, and how susceptible it would be to an attack. The documents also contain information on the best place to attack the group. Mr. Abujihaad's military email address was found among the files, which at the time were classified.

In one of the emails regarding his battle group, Abujihaad wrote, "They have nothing to stop a small craft with RPG [rocket-propelled grenade] etc. except their Seals' stinger missiles ... Please destroy message."

During 2000 and 2001, the two men exchanged e-mail messages. During this time, Abujihaad was on active duty on the Benfold, a guided-missile destroyer. In addition to purchasing videos promoting jihad (a Muslim holy war), Abujihaad discussed military briefings.

According to a news release from the office of U.S. Attorney Kevin J. O'Connor, "Abujihaad described a recent force protection briefing given aboard his ship, voiced enmity toward America, praised Usama bin Laden and the mujahideen, praised the October 2000 attack on the U.S.S. Cole -- which Abujihaad described as a 'martyrdom operation' -- and advised the members of Azzam Publications that such tactics were working and taking their toll"

While some of Abujihaad's emails appear innocent, in others he praises the work of terrorist organizations, and how they have been effective at scaring U.S. government officials and the general public. In one message, Abujihaad identifies himself as a Muslim.

Abujihaad, who was given an honorable discharge in 2002, tries to play down his contacts with Ahmad. "I corresponded with an e-mail site," he said. "It wasn't nothin' top secret like these people are saying, you know what I mean? I was just talking about, like the Cole... whatever."

If found guilty, Abujihaad could face up to 25 years in prison.

Sources:

www.nytimes.com/2007/03/08/us/08sailor.html
www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/07/AR2007030702577.html
www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0308terror0308.html