US teenager accused of trying to join Islamic State deemed a flight risk

A US federal judge in Chicago has ordered pre-trial detention for a 19-year-old accused of trying to fly with his two younger siblings to the Middle East to join the militant group Islamic State (IS).

Mohammed Hamzah Khan was arrested a month ago at O'Hare International Airport as he tried to board a plane to Turkey, and later charged with attempting to provide material support to a terrorist group.

Federal prosecutors revealed at Khan's detention hearing on Monday that he had tried to take with him his sister, then 17, and his 16-year-old brother.

All three left behind writings indicating they were trying to get to Syria to join IS, which has killed thousands and beheaded a number of American and British captives while seizing parts of Syria and Iraq. US forces began bombarding IS targets in August.

Khan's siblings, who were not named in court because they are too young, have not been charged. After being interrogated at O'Hare they were sent home to their parents.

US District Court Judge Susan Cox said Khan represented a flight risk and a danger to the community.