Report Cites 'Radicalization' of U.S. Prisoners

U.S. law enforcement authorities believe as many as three dozen Americans who converted to Islam in prison have traveled to Yemen, possibly to train with al-Qaeda, according to a Senate report. The "radicalization" of the individuals has alarmed U.S. officials even though no evidence has immediately tied them to terrorist activities. Several of the individuals have "dropped off the radar" for weeks at a time and continue to carry U.S. passports.

"Al-Qaeda's recruitment tactics also have changed, the group seeks to recruit American citizens to carry out terrorist attacks in the United States." Al-Qaeda forces in Yemen have emerged in recent months as a pressing threat to U.S. security, with ties to the recent airline bombing plot and Fort Hood shooting. In addition to the nearly three dozen prisoners, Kerry's staff also cites as many as 10 non-Yemeni Americans who moved to Yemen, converted to Islamic fundamentalism and married Yemeni women to remain in the country.

• "Al-Qaeda in Yemen and Somalia: A Ticking Time Bomb" Committee on Foreign relations, US Senate, 1/21/10.