Six Bosnians arrested for providing U.S. uniforms and gear to ISIS

Bosnian natives living in various states throughout the U.S. have been arrested on charges of providing money and equipment to ISIS.  The U.S. Justice Department stated on Friday that items supplied included U.S. military uniforms and gear.

The Daily Mail reported five of those arrested were in the United States, living in Missouri, Illinois and New York.  The sixth person is overseas.

According to a federal grand jury indictment, the group was providing money, military uniforms, tactical gear, combat boots and firearms accessories to the militant group.  These items were used in order to conspire to commit crimes outside the U.S.  The indictment stated that individuals in Turkey and Saudi Arabia were intermediaries who received the goods from the defendants and transferred them to ISIS in Syria and Iraq or wherever else needed.

The indictment said members of the group used telephones, Facebook and other social media to send and receive messages, using fictitious names and code words including ‘Lions,’ ‘Bosnian brothers’ and ‘mujahids.’

The suspects have been identified as Ramiz Zijad Hodzic, his wife Sedina Unkic Hodzic, and Armin Harcevic, who all three reside in St. Louis County, Missouri; Nihad Rosic of Utica, New York; Mediha Medy Salkiceviv of Schiller Park, Illinois; and Jasminka Ramic of Rockford, Illinois.

According to the International Business Times, the suspects allegedly sent the money and weapons to man named Abdullah Ramo Pazara, a Bosnian who traveled from the U.S. to Syria in 2013 to join ISIS. Pazara has not been charged because he is believed dead.

“Today’s charges and arrests underscore our resolve to identify, thwart, and hold accountable individuals within the United States who seek to provide material support to terrorists and terrorist organizations operating in Syria and Iraq,” Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin said in the statement. “Preventing the provision of supplies, money, and personnel to foreign terrorist organizations like ISIL remains a top priority of the National Security Division and our partners in the law enforcement and intelligence communities.”

The suspects face up to 15 years in prison and $250,000 in fines. Ramiz and Rosic, if found guilty of the conspiracy charges, could face life in prison.