A Christian militia group based in Michigan has been raided by an FBI-led Joint Terrorism Task Force. Several members of the group have been arrested. Most of the activity has been centered in and around Washtenaw and Lenawee counties.

Detrioit News reports:

WXYZ-TV reports that helicopters were spotted in the sky for much of Saturday night, and agents set up checkpoints throughout the area. Witnesses told the station that it was like a small army had descended on the area. The Department of Homeland Security and the Joint Terrorism Task Force are also involved in the raids.

The group believed to be the target of the raid goes by the name Hutaree. They see themselves as Christian soldiers preparing to do battle with the anti-Christ. On their website they feature a "Beast Watch" along with lurid images of the Beast of Revelations and warnings about implantable chips that they believe to be "the mark" of the anti-Christ.

The site also includes the statement: "We believe that one day, as prophecy says, there will be an Anti-Christ. Jesus wanted us to be ready to defend ourselves using the sword and stay alive using equipment."

Members of other Michigan-based militias have described Hutaree as a religious cult with a survivalist outlook. The group was targeted by law enforcement because they had made threats of violence against Islamic organizations. It is also believed that they had a plan to target police officers. A US official said some of those arrested will face gun charges.

Hutaree has shown up on YouTube videos burning the UN flag. They believe the so-called Tribulations have arrived and that end-times are looming. The Hutaree is just the tip of the iceberg. Groups with similar deluded visions exist across America, many supported by church, family and sympathizers.

Dawud Walid, executive director of the Council on Islamic-American Relations of Michigan was attending a 10th anniversary banquet when he received the news from a network about the alleged threat against Muslims.

Walid told those in attendance: "Don't allow this news to scare you away from practicing your faith..."

Link also to - Democratic Underground - MSNBC

YouTube video on raids - here