London Man Jailed for Attempting to Join Syria Conflict
Mamun Rashid, 28, set off from the UK to Istanbul in summer 2018, aiming to sneak into Syria and join the fight against government forces.
Arrested Near Turkey-Syria Border
Rashid was nabbed by Turkish police close to the border in February 2019. After months in custody, he was deported home to the UK in November 2019. British police’s Counter Terrorism Command arrested him immediately on arrival.
Jailed for Over 12 Years
On 6 January at Woolwich Crown Court, Rashid was handed a hefty 12 years and three months behind bars, plus an extended five-year licence.
Commander Richard Smith, heading the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “Rashid spent months attempting to get into Syria via Turkey so he could fight against government forces. This case makes clear that anyone who goes to Syria or other conflict zones with the intention of committing terrorist acts can expect to be investigated by UK police and face prosecution on their return.”
Loan Used to Fund Terror Plans
- Rashid flew from London Stansted to Istanbul in July 2018.
- He had enrolled in university but never intended to study.
- Detectives believe he used a student loan to bankroll his travel.
- Texts revealed his wish to die as a martyr for Allah.
- Months of attempts to cross into Syria were documented in messages to contacts.
Confession and Conviction
On 12 July 2021, Rashid changed his plea to guilty of preparing terrorist acts under the Terrorism Act 2006.
Communities play a vital role in rooting out terrorism. If you spot suspicious activity, trust your gut and report it confidentially at gov.uk/ACT or call 999 in an emergency.
