Kosovar-American Sentenced to 10 Years in U.S. Federal Prison for Joining ISIS

 A 49-year-old man from Kosovo, who also holds American citizenship, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison by a U.S. court for his involvement with the terrorist organization ISIS. Lirim Sylejmani, also known as Abu Sulayman al-Kosovi, was convicted of receiving military training from a designated foreign terrorist organization.

The sentencing was announced on June 2, 2025, by federal judge Rudolph Contreras at the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. Following the completion of his prison term, Sylejmani will remain under lifetime supervision by U.S. authorities.

The announcement was made by the U.S. Department of Justice through a joint statement issued by Prosecutor Jeanine Ferris Pirro, head of the National Security Division Sue Bai, and representatives of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division.

Lirim Sylejmani, alias Abu Sulayman al-Kosovi, speaking on the radio when he was part of ISIS

“Sylejmani will spend a decade behind bars reflecting on the betrayal he committed against this country. Anyone who believes ISIS is the answer should think again. We will stop anyone who threatens the safety of our citizens,” said Prosecutor Pirro in the statement.

According to court documents, Sylejmani traveled to Syria in November 2015 with his family, intending to join ISIS. He remained in ISIS-controlled territories until early 2019.

 Lirim Sylejmani, alias Abu Sulayman al-Kosovi, after being arrestet in US, admits he was part of ISIS

During that time, he underwent a 21-day intensive military training program, where he was trained in the use of weapons such as the AK-47, M-16, and hand grenades. Upon completing his training, he was assigned to a combat unit in Mosul, Iraq, and pledged allegiance to then-ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

In May 2016, Sylejmani participated in the battle of Manbij against U.S.-led coalition forces. He was wounded in the leg during the fighting and was later transferred to another ISIS unit, where he remained until the group’s territorial collapse.

On February 27, 2019, Sylejmani and his family were captured by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Baghouz, the last ISIS stronghold. Initially held in an SDF-controlled prison, he was handed over to U.S. authorities on September 15, 2020.

This case highlights ongoing efforts by U.S. law enforcement to pursue and prosecute individuals who have supported foreign terrorist groups and threaten national security.