Three Get Prison for Smuggling Bomb Into U.S.

BURLINGTON, Vt. —  Three Lebanese-Canadians convicted of smuggling a homemade bomb into the United States were given jail terms of up to 16 years Wednesday by a federal judge who brushed aside a debate over whether the men were carrying out a terrorist mission.

Walid Kabbani and Georges Younan were sentenced to 16 years in prison. Walid Mourad, who made a plea agreement before the trial, was sentenced to eight years.

U.S. Atty. George Terwilliger III told U.S. District Judge Albert Coffrin that the men were members of a Syrian group linked to a number of acts of international terrorism. Defense lawyers scoffed at the claim but the judge said the issue was irrelevant.

‘Extensive Damage’ Possible

“What is important is that these defendants sought to introduce an explosive device into this country that was capable of causing extensive damage or injury to the detriment of this great country,” Coffrin said.

The judge said that the bomb’s “lethal potential was clear and overwhelming” and that the men had committed an “unlawful and violent act.”

Defense attorney Mark Keller said the defendants do not plan an appeal.

The government has been unable to determine where the men were heading when they were caught near the Canadian border Oct. 23 with the bomb, a detonating device, wire cutters, gloves and a black nylon ski mask.