Posted at: 06/08/2009 9:09 AM
Updated at: 06/08/2009 11:21 AM

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Somali Man's Family Says He Tried to Return

(ABC 6 NEWS) – Burhan Hassan's family says he was gunned down in Somalia.

Hassan was one of about 20 young men who vanished from the streets of Minneapolis in November, only to reappear as warriors in Somalia.

Abubakar Assadique is the mosque Hassan attended. Yesterday, there were prayers there for Hassan, but there are also allegations from Hassan's family: they say the mosque was responsible for the 17-year-old's decision to go to Somalia. They also say that his death may be connected to his decision to return to Minnesota.

The mosque denies any involvement in any of the young men's decision to go to Somalia.

The FBI is investigating how the young men were recruited. Hassan's family says that investigation and Hassan's desire to return to Minnesota may have played a role in his death.

The mosque says Sunday's prayer service was for the community and the family. The Hassan family says they have no connection to the mosque.