( CNN ) -- Two Iraqi men , who were living in Kentucky , were slapped with long prison sentences this week after being convicted of a series of charges involving a plot to help al Qaeda . `` These two former Iraqi insurgents participated in terrorist activities overseas and attempted to continue providing material support to terrorists while they lived here in the United States , '' said Assistant Attorney General for National Security Lisa Monaco . `` Both men are being held accountable . '' Mohanad Shareef Hammadi and Waad Ramadan Alwan were arrested last August in Bowling Green , Kentucky , in a terror-related sting operation . After arriving in the United States , the men were monitored by federal authorities . The men told an FBI undercover agent they wanted to provide weapons and explosives to al Qaeda in Iraq , court documents said . In 2010 and early 2011 , Hammadi and Alwan provided sniper rifles , C4 plastic explosives , and two Stinger missiles to a truck they believed would be shipped to al Qaeda in Iraq . Authorities say none of the weapons were ever shipped and remained under control of the FBI . Hammadi pleaded guilty in August to 12 counts , including four counts of aiding al Qaeda in Iraq , authorities said . Alwan pleaded guilty to 23 counts in December , including plotting to kill Americans overseas , the Justice Department said . Alwan , 31 , was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison . Hammadi , 25 , got a life sentence , the Justice Department said . `` These are experienced terrorists who willingly and enthusiastically participated in what they believed were insurgent support operations designed to harm American soldiers in Iraq , '' stated U.S. Attorney David Hale . `` Bringing these men to justice is the result of a comprehensive law enforcement effort . ''
One man got a life sentence . The other man is sentenced to 40 years . The men agreed to sell weapons to Al Qaeda .