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Two New Jersey Men Plead Guilty To Trying To Join Al-Shabab Terror Group Overseas

NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) - Two New Jersey men pleaded guilty to trying to join a terrorist group overseas.

Mohamed Mahmood Alessa, 21, and Carlos Eduardo Almonte, 24, accepted a plea deal, admitting they wanted to try to join al-Shabab, an Al Qaeda-affiliated group.

1010 WINS' Stan Brooks reports the two could be sentenced to life in prison

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In their plea, they admit to conspiracy to kill, maim and kidnap.

The duo were nabbed last June at John F. Kennedy International Airport. Officials believe they were bound for Egypt and Somalia.

Alessa was born in the United States and lived in North Bergen. His parents are Palestinian immigrants.

Almonte is a naturalized citizen, originally from the Dominican Republic. He lived in Elmwood Park.

The two Muslim men smiled at their families in the Newark courtroom when accepting the plea, which could result in life in prison.

They'll be sentenced in June.

What do you think of the case? Is home grown terrorism a major concern? Sound off in our comments section.

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