U.S. citizen gets 10 years for joining ISIS in Syria

A 49-year-old U.S. citizen who admitted to fighting with ISIS against U.S.-led coalition forces has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. Lirim Sylejmani was given the sentence after pleading guilty in December to charges of receiving military training from ISIS, which is a designated foreign terrorist organization. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro stated that the defendant will spend a decade in prison reflecting on betraying the country. Sylejmani and his family were captured by the Syrian Democratic Forces in Syria in 2019, and he was later transferred to the U.S. to face charges. Prosecutors mentioned that Sylejmani underwent training with ISIS, changed his name, and fought against the Syrian Democratic Forces. Despite his capture, Sylejmani warned others not to be enticed by ISIS promises, as living conditions were poor under their rule. Pirro emphasized that the government will continue to pursue individuals seeking to harm the country and its citizens.