New charges in Minnesota-Somali terror recruitment case

The men are accused of joining the fight with al-Shabab

US prosecutors have announced charges against eight people as part of an investigation into young men leaving the United States to fight in Somalia.

Those charged are accused of giving financial support to recruits, and of training and fighting with Somali Islamist militants.

Up to 20 people are thought to have left Minnesota to fight with Somali militants in the last two years.

All but one of the men are of Somali descent, officials say.

US federal prosecutors accuse them of aiding the militant group al-Shabab, which is said to have links to al-Qaeda and has recently been leading an insurgency against Somali authorities.

Several have died - one when he took part in a series of suicide bombings in the semi-autonomous Puntland region, according to authorities.

'Sad reality'

One of those against whom charges were announced on Monday, Mohamud Said Omar, is being held in the Netherlands.

The others have not been arrested and are thought to be outside the US.

In total, 14 people have now been charged as part of the long-running investigation.

"The sad reality is that the vibrant Somali community here in Minneapolis has lost many of its sons to fighting in Somalia," Attorney Todd Jones said in a statement, as the new charges were announced.

"Those tempted to fight on behalf of or provide support to any designated terrorist group should know they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

Somalia has been embroiled in almost continuous conflict since its central government collapsed in 1991. Insurgents control much of the centre and south of the country.