American 'Al-Qaeda backer' pleads guilty to bomb plot

BOSTON, Massachusetts - An American Al-Qaeda supporter admitted plotting to bomb the Pentagon and the Capitol using explosives-laden model planes and will be jailed for 17 years, officials said Tuesday.

In an agreement reached last week, Rezwan Ferdaus, 26, pleaded guilty to attempting to damage and destroy the Washington landmarks by means of an explosive and attempting to provide material support to terrorists.

US judicial authorities said in a statement they would dismiss several other counts against Ferdaus as part of a plea agreement reached in a federal court, following a case in which the suspect fell victim to an FBI sting.

"He has also agreed to a joint sentencing recommendation of 17 years in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release," a statement from the US Justice Department said.

"In exchange, the government has agreed to dismiss the remaining charges against Ferdaus at the time of sentencing," the statement said. (...)