Halima Salman Convicted of Receiving ISIS Training

A federal jury has found Halima Salman guilty of receiving military-style training from ISIS while residing in Syria. This trial, held in a U.S. federal court, is notable as the first of its kind involving a woman accused of joining ISIS.

Salman, also known as “Umm Khattab al-Muhajir,” is a 27-year-old American citizen from Brooklyn. She may face up to 10 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for February 2. In 2016, Salman and her family, including eight siblings, left the United States for ISIS-controlled regions in Syria.

During the trial, prosecutor Adam Amir presented evidence showing that, at 18, Salman married an ISIS fighter and willingly sought training. She pledged loyalty to the organization and participated in its activities. Investigators discovered a document on her husband’s phone confirming she completed the training.

U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. emphasized Salman’s accountability, stating the U.S. will continue prosecuting supporters of ISIS. After the verdict, Salman and her defense team showed emotional reactions. Her mother was also visibly affected, expressing grief upon learning the court’s decision.

Throughout the trial, Salman’s defense framed her as a young woman caught in Syria’s civil war because of her father and later, her husband. Salman testified that she initially believed they were visiting relatives in Turkey, but instead ended up in Syria. She expressed regret and blamed her father, claiming that her marriage was against her wishes and that attempts to divorce were unsuccessful.

Salman recounted her escape, declaring that leaving ISIS meant risking death. She eventually separated from her husband and was detained by anti-ISIS forces in 2019. After her return to the U.S. in 2024, authorities arrested her. Her defense team has requested an acquittal, citing insufficient evidence during the trial.