Additional Charges for Men Accused of Supporting al-Qaida

The two men allegedly provided computer training.

New terrorism charges have been brought against two U.S. citizens accused of trying to aid al-Qaida.

Fresh charges including providing material support to al-Qaida and violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act were in a superseding indictment announced Tuesday.

Preet Bharara, US Attorney for the Southern District of New York announced the charges were filed against Wesam El-Hanafi and Sabirhan Hasanoff.

"Today's additional charges against El-Hanafi and Hasanoff underscore our Office's commitment to cutting off homegrown support for al-Qaida and other foreign-based terrorist groups that target the United States," he said.

Both men, residents of Brooklyn, are accused of aiding al-Qaida since 2008 with money and computer skills.

Prosecutors say El-Hanafi went to Yemen and helped teach al-Qaida how to communicate on the Internet without being detected.

If convicted on all counts, the men could each face a maximum of 70 years in prison.

Both men have pleaded not guilty. They will be arraigned on the new charges September 16.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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