Texas Man Says He Wanted To Join Taliban

HOUSTON — A Houston man pleaded guilty after he and a Pakistani living illegally in America were charged with conspiring to join the Taliban and fight against American forces, federal prosecutors announced yesterday.

U.S. Attorney Donald DeGabrielle Jr. said a four-count indictment charges Kobie Diallo Williams, also known as Abdul Kabir, and Adnan Babar Mirza with conspiracy. Mr. Mirza, 29, a Pakistani who overstayed a student visa, also is charged with three counts of violating federal firearms laws.

Williams, 33, an American citizen living in Houston and attending the University of Houston-Downtown, surrendered yesterday to members of the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force and pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to the conspiracy charge. Mr. Mirza was already in custody on immigration violations. Federal prosecutors also allege that Williams had provided approximately $350 to Taliban members or their families.