Two former U of M students are wanted for charges related to terrorism, the Manitoba RCMP announced at a press conference this morning.

Warrants has been issued for Ferid Ahmed Imam, for charges of instructing to carry out terrorist activity and conspiracy to participate in activity of a terrorist group, and Maiwand Yar, for on charges of conspiracy to participate in activity of a terrorist group and participation in activity of a terrorist group, according to a statement issued by the RCMP.

The two men flew to Pakistan in 2007, after which they severed contact with their family and friends. According to the RCMP’s statement, the whereabouts of the two men is currently unknown, and the charges are being laid in absentia.

“These warrants are the result of a lengthy and thorough national security criminal investigation involving key partners throughout Canada and the U.S.,” Assistant Commissioner Bill Robinson, Commanding Officer of “D” Division RCMP said in the statement.

“We are deeply committed to our efforts aimed at countering terrorism. This investigation targets criminal activity and not specific communities or groups.”

We will updating this story as more details come in online and in our print edition.