NEW YORK — Terrorism suspect Najibullah Zazi told a federal judge he was trained by al-Qaida for a "martyrdom" plan to attack the New York City subways.

The 25-year-old former Denver airport shuttle driver pleaded guilty today in New York to conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction.

Zazi also pleaded guilty to counts of conspiracy to commit murder in a foreign country and providing material support for a terrorist organization. He faces a life prison sentence without parole.

The Afghan native said he agreed to the bomb plot because of the United States' military action in Afghanistan. He said he received training in Pakistan.

He was arrested in the fall after arousing authorities' suspicions by driving cross-country from Denver to New York around the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.