3 ISIS recruits from Edmonton believed killed

Three Edmonton cousinshave died while fighting overseas for ISIS, says the father of one of the men.

Ahmed Hirsi says his 20-year-old son,Mahad, was killed last fall along with cousins Hamsa and Hersi Kariye.

Another cousin from Minnesota, Hanad Abdullahi Mohallim, was also killed, Hirsi said.

Other family members deny the men died while fighting for ISIS, butHirsiinsists it's true.

He saidhis son and two nephews left Edmonton without telling him in October 2013.

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He heard from Mahad for the last timewhen he called from Egypt saying he intended to leave for Syria.

Hirsi'ssister Mulki Hirsi Hassancalled him last fall to break the news that all four men had been killed, he said.

Its not clear how the four died or if they died at the same time.

Family from war-torn Somalia

Hirsi said he can'tunderstand how his son became radicalized.

Hebrought his family to Canada from war-torn Somaliato live in a peaceful country, he said, and he doesn't knowwhy his son and nephews joined ISIS.

Mahad was an obedient son, regularly attending school. He was generous and respectfulbut became unhappy with his faith, Hirsisaid.

"Some people, I don't know who he is, they make him brainwash and they change his mind,"he said.

At least one family member insists the men did not go overseasto join ISIS.

Guled, abrother of Hamsa and Hersi, said the men went to Egyptto pursue an education.

"That is the path my brothers wanted to take from Day 1,"he said. "These people left their country to go study their religion."

He confirmedhis brothers are deadbut would not say how or where they died.He said the family has been co-operating withCSIS and theRCMP.

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