The “ISIS Soldier”: America Concludes the “Dark Story”

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An American court sentence of 14 years in prison marks the final chapter in the story of an “ISIS soldier” who stirred much controversy both domestically and internationally.

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An American court sentenced a soldier who admitted to attempting to provide information to the terrorist organization “ISIS” to assist them in attacking U.S. forces in the Middle East, to 14 years in prison.

In June 2023, Cole Bridges, 24, pleaded guilty to attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and attempting to kill U.S. military personnel.

Bridges, a soldier from Ohio, was sentenced to 14 years in prison, along with 10 years of supervised release, according to a Justice Department statement.

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The “Dark Story”

As described by the American media, and according to court documents, Bridges, who joined the army in 2019, went from receiving terrorist propaganda online to attempting to provide information to assist ISIS.

The Justice Department stated that in October 2020, Bridges began communicating with an FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) agent posing as a supporter of the terrorist organization, which had previously controlled large swaths of territory in Iraq and Syria before losing them to local forces backed by a U.S.-led international coalition.

The department added that “during those exchanges, Bridges expressed frustration with the U.S. military and a desire to help ISIS.”

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Bridges provided “training and guidance to supposed ISIS fighters who were planning attacks, including advice on potential targets in New York City.”

Later, the soldier advised the alleged supporter on how terrorists could more effectively attack U.S. forces in the Middle East.

He also drew maneuver plans aimed at “maximizing the lethality of the attacks,” and offered advice on how to fortify a camp against an attack by special forces.

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Bridges then sent the FBI agent a video in which he appeared wearing body armor and standing in front of a flag used by ISIS fighters.

He followed up with a second video in which he gave “a propaganda speech in support of an upcoming ISIS ambush targeting U.S. forces,” according to the Justice Department.