A Philadelphia teenager has been arrested “in connection with a terrorism probe,” according to WPVI-TV.

FBI and local Philadelphia officials announced Friday’s arrest of the unnamed juvenile suspect on Monday. He is accused of corresponding with Katibat al Tawhid wal Jihad (KTJ), a radical Islamic terrorist group with known ties to al-Qaeda, as well as several weapons-related charges.

Perhaps most troubling is that in addition to the firearms allegedly in his possession, authorities said the suspect was making purchases consistent with the construction of improvised explosive devices. IEDs have killed and maimed thousands of brave U.S. troops since 9/11, as well as innocent civilians around the world, including the city of Boston during the 2013 Marathon bombings.

A 17-year-old teenager in Philadelphia has been arrested in connection with a terrorism probe. https://t.co/oCmp85eypM

— Action News on 6abc (@6abc) August 14, 2023

“Among the items he purchased were tactical equipment, wiring, chemicals and devices often used as remote detonators,” said FBI Special Agent Jacqueline Maguire, as quoted by WPVI.

“The teen suspect was allegedly sending and receiving media containing terrorist propaganda and also took steps to go overseas for the purpose of joining or supporting the terrorist group,” WPVI also reported.

With terrorist groups like KTJ, al-Qaeda and ISIS determined to strike our homeland and thousands of American troops still serving in the Middle East, the threat of terrorism clearly persists. We therefore wish to thank all the courageous Americans who risk their lives to protect us from evil. We pray that the Lord keeps them safe.

Tom Sileo is a contributing senior editor of The Stream. He is the author of the recently released Be Bold and co-author of Three Wise Men, Brothers Forever, 8 Seconds of Courage and Fire in My Eyes. Follow Tom on Twitter @TSileo and The Stream at @Streamdotorg.