California Navy sailor, 25, ‘caught in ISIS plot to kill Special Forces using rocket-propelled grenades and drones’

By Zain Khan

Published June 7, 2026, 11:57 a.m. ET

https://nypost.com/2026/06/07/us-news/california-navy-sailor-25-caught-in-isis-plot-to-kill-special-forces/

Three men from California and Kansas were arrested for allegedly planning attacks on US Special Forces using drones, grenades, and knives. Authorities say they discussed joining ISIS and made violent statements online. Local residents expressed shock, noting one suspect may have served in the Navy.

Bereen Dzayee, 25, from Lakeside, and Elias Shamsaldeen, 21, from Porterville, were arrested with Bisaam Ghafoor, 21, from Leawood, Kansas.

The men allegedly paid $2,000 to someone they believed was part of ISIS to obtain grenades and drones.

Dzayee reportedly proposed using drones against US Special Forces.

Shamsaldeen allegedly expressed interest in a knife attack on a serviceman.

Ghafoor allegedly made violent statements, including wishing to kill 300 million Americans and behead a female soldier.

Authorities say the trio communicated for over a year about extremist plans and joining ISIS.

Pentagon officials have not confirmed Dzayee’s military service, but neighbors and a former classmate claim he served in the Navy.

Arrests involved tactical teams, house searches, and interviews with Dzayee’s parents.