American Woman Who Is Accused of Joining ISIS Goes on Trial

Halima Salman, an American citizen accused of joining the Islamic State, is set to stand trial in U.S. federal court—believed to be the first woman facing such an accusation to go before a jury. Prosecutors say the 17-year-old was taken to ISIS-controlled territory in Syria in spring 2024 after her father brought her, her mother, and eight siblings there. They allege she used the name Umm al-Khattab al-Muhajir, posed with ISIS flags, and received training to use an AK-47. Her lawyers argue she was brought as a child and did not share ISIS ideology.