Two native Iraqis and alleged former insurgents were arrested and indicted in Kentucky on federal terrorism charges.

A federal grand jury in Bowling Green issued a 23-count indictment charging 30-year-old Waad Ramadan Alwan with plotting to kill U.S. nationals abroad, including with weapons of mass destruction, and to distribute information on how to construct improvised explosive devices. 23-year-old Mohanad Shareef Hammadi was accused of planning to provide material support to terrorists abroad, including Stinger missiles.

According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney for Kentucky's Western District, Alwan described building and planting improvised explosive devices in Iraq with the aim of killing U.S. troops, and then of trying to teach comrades in Iraq how to do the same. He also detailed his attempts to send money and logistical information to insurgents in Iraq. Hammadi is accused of similar activies.

The charges represent the culmination of an investigation that spanned months, and if convicted both men could face life in prison. They are not charged with plotting attacks within the United States.