Somali woman sentenced to eight years for helping terrorist group

A 25-year-old Somali woman living in San Diego was sentenced Tuesday to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to sending money to a suspected terrorist group in her native country.

Nima Yusuf admitted in San Diego federal court that she sent $1,450 to men in Somalia who were fighting on behalf of al-Shabaab, considered a terrorist group by the U.S. government. She also admitted trying to recruit a local man to go to Somalia to fight for al-Shabaab.

According to FBI wiretaps, Yusuf was pleased when told in a phone call by another Somali that al-
Shabaab had killed Burundian peacekeeping troops. She allegedly responded: "Oh my God! God is great! Wonderful! I swear to God, you told me something to be happy about."

In another conversation, Yusuf laughingly said she hoped another terrorist strike like the Sept. 11 attack occurs in America: "Oh! It will be happening again. Trust me, more this time it will be double, triple their deaths."

Yusuf has pleaded guilty to conspiring with four other Somali nationals in Minnesota to provide money and other support to al-Shabaab, which is attempting to overthrow the transitional government in Somalia and oust African Union troops.

"This is a serious crime against our country and our citizenry," said Daphne Hearn, FBI special agent in charge of the San Diego office.

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--Tony Perry in San Diego