5 U.S. men had months of contact with Taliban, officials say

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Va. mosque speaks out against alleged aspiring jihadists

Five men from Northern Va. who were arrested Tuesday in Pakistan traveled abroad hoping to work with jihadist groups and battle U.S. troops in Afghanistan. On Friday afternoon, leaders from the mosque they attended spoke out.

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The men were arrested because they were found in the home of an activist linked to a radical group that has been banned by the Pakistani government, Pakistani officials said.

Khan also had a brush with the law in Fairfax last year. He was convicted of embezzlement for stealing packages from the United Parcel Service store where he worked, according to police and court records. His one-year sentence was suspended.

The families have said through their attorney that they want the men returned to the United States, but it was unclear when that might happen.

Law enforcement sources have said the men will probably be returned to the United States, possibly to face criminal charges, but they indicated Friday that it could be a drawn-out process. The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing, said Pakistani officials have shown more interest over the past two days in interviewing the men for broader insights into radical groups in that country.

During the news conference at the ICNA Center, the Fairfax mosque, Muslim leaders said they still have trouble believing that the men were pursuing radical activities.

"During my time with them, I never observed any violence or suspicious activity," volunteer youth coordinator Mustafa Abu Maryam said. "I hope this is not true. I hope it's not what seems to be."

Hussain reported from Pakistan. in Pakistan contributed to this report. Hussain and Witte reported from Pakistan.