Canadian faces terrorism charges in U.S.

A Somali-born Canadian has been charged in New York with conspiracy to support al-Qaeda.

Mohammed Abdullah Warsame, 30, lived in Toronto from 1991 on, but most recently attended school in Minneapolis, Minn. The indictment alleges that beginning in March 2000, he conspired to provide material support and resources to the terrorist network.

U.S. authorities will not comment on reports of links between Warsame and terrorist suspect Zacarias Moussaoui.

"The charge against Warsame is a grim reminder that al-Qaeda, aided by agents and cells in this country, continues its shadowy efforts to destroy the lives and freedoms of the people in the United States," said U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft.

Moussaoui, who was also arrested in Minnesota, is the only suspect being prosecuted in the United States in connection with the Sept. 11 attacks.

If convicted, Warsame faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.