American charged over aid to Somali militants

A 26-year-old American was arrested on Thursday on charges that he tried to help Somali al-Shabaab rebels, the latest American accused of trying to aid the militant group, the US Justice Department said.

Ahmed Mahamud, who previously lived in Minnesota, was charged with four counts including conspiracy to provide material support and providing material support to al-Shabaab, which the US government has designated a terrorist group, according to the unsealed indictment. He was accused of trying to provide money and people to help the militant group in its fight against the Ethiopian military, though the four-page indictment did not offer more details about his activities. (Reuters)