Family spokesman: Alabama woman leaves to join ISIS in Syria

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — A spokesman for a Muslim couple in Alabama says their 20-year-old daughter fled a Birmingham suburb to join ISIS militants in Syria after being recruited on the Internet.

Attorney Hassan Shibly spoke at a Birmingham mosque on Monday on behalf of the parents of the young woman, whom he identified only as Hoda.

Shibly said Hoda left in November after being "brainwashed" for an undetermined length of time. He says the woman's actions go against the family's wishes and against the teachings of Islam.

The spokesman added that Hoda's family has been in contact with U.S. law enforcement and government officials since she disappeared.

Members of the Birmingham Muslim community were meeting on Monday evening to discuss how to protect other children from the influence of violent extremists.