WASHINGTON: The US authorities filed terrorism charges Wednesday against a young American accused of trying to join Somalia`s Shebab militant group.

Zachary Adam Chesser, 20, of Fairfax County, Virginia was apprehended by federal agents on July 10 as he tried to board a plane to Uganda, allegedly using his infant son as cover.

"This case exposes the disturbing reality that extreme radicalization can happen anywhere, including Northern Virginia," said US Attorney Neil MacBride.

"This young man is accused of seeking to join the Shebab, a brutal terrorist organization with ties to Al-Qaeda. These allegations underscore the need for continued vigilance against homegrown terror threats."

Chesser, who was also named in court documents as Abu Talhah Al-Amrikee, confessed after his arrest that he twice attempted to travel to Somalia to join the Shebab as a foreign fighter, the charge sheet said.

He was charged with "providing material support to terrorists."

BDST: 0941 HRS, July 22, 2010