WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Vietnam national Minh Quang Pham will be arraigned in the United States on Wednesday following his recent extradition from the United Kingdom, and may face a life sentence for his alleged involvement with al-Qaeda, according to US Department of Justice press release.
“Pham allegedly vowed to wage jihad, swore bayat, and provided material support to high-level al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) members, almost always brandishing a Kalashnikov rifle,” the press release issued on Tuesday read.
“Through the vigilance and investigative efforts of our British partners and the FBI [Federal Bureau of Investigation], Pham is now in the United States to face American justice,” it added
“This investigation and subsequent extradition of Pham from the UK speaks to the level of commitment of the FBI and our national and international law enforcement and intelligence community partners to bring this dangerous terrorist to face justice in the United States," the press release said.
US officials have said AQAP is the most dangerous and sophisticated branch of al-Qaeda.
AQAP claimed responsibility for the January 7 attack on the Paris office of Charlie Hebdo French satirical magazine that resulted in the deaths of 12 people. After the attack AQAP called for more terrorist activities by its followers in Europe.
