US Army soldier sentenced to 14 years for trying to help ISIS

The U.S. Department of Justice announced that Cole Bridges, a U.S. Army soldier, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for attempting to assist ISIS in attacking U.S. forces in the Middle East. The 24-year-old was also accused of attempting to provide material support to ISIS.

Officials stated that Bridges initially pleaded guilty to terrorism charges on June 14, 2023, but his sentence was handed down this week. He had joined the US Army in September 2019.

The Justice Department revealed that before joining the military, at least since 2019, Bridges had promoted jihadist ideology and supported ISIS on social media, expressing support for their violent ideology.

In October 2020, Bridges contacted an undercover FBI agent online, posing as an ISIS supporter with connections to fighters in the Middle East.

During these communications, Bridges expressed his frustration with the U.S. military and his desire to help ISIS.

He then provided training and guidance to “alleged” ISIS fighters planning attacks, including advice on potential targets in New York City.

Bridges also shared portions of the U.S. Army training manual and military battle tactics with the alleged fighters, believing ISIS would use this information in future attacks.

In December 2020, Bridges began instructing the undercover FBI agent on attacking U.S. forces in the Middle East.

According to the Justice Department, Bridges also advised on fortifying ISIS camps and using explosives to ambush U.S. special forces.

This case, investigated by multiple agencies, including the FBI and the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Division, resulted in Bridges receiving a 14-year prison sentence and 10 years of supervised release.

The conviction reflects the serious consequences of attempts to aid terrorist organizations and underlines the commitment of US authorities to combat such threats.