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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Terror suspect served briefly in US Air Force

Associated Press

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A U.S. Air Force spokeswoman says a terror suspect accused of plotting to kill Americans and target U.S. bases overseas was given an honorable discharge after serving only briefly in the service 11 years ago.

Ann Stefanek says 34-year-old Sohiel Omar Kabir of Pomona, Calif., enlisted in the Air Force on July 20, 2000, and was administratively separated on Dec. 17, 2001.

Stefanek says privacy laws prevent her from saying why Kabir left but that it was not for misconduct.

Most enlisted members serve four to six years.

A variety of reasons can prompt an administrative separation, including medical issues.

Kabir is one of four California men arrested recently on allegations they were plotting to bomb military bases and government facilities by joining al-Qaida and the Taliban in Afghanistan.