An alarming revelation has emerged regarding Afghan nationals residing in the United States, with nearly 2,000 individuals found to have direct or potential links to terrorist organizations.
The disclosure was made by U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard during an interview with American media. She strongly criticized the Biden administration’s handling of the vetting process for Afghan nationals who entered the U.S. during the evacuation period, describing it as slow and ineffective.
Gabbard stated that around 18,000 Afghan nationals entered the United States under Operation Allies Welcome, but comprehensive and effective screening procedures were not carried out at the time.
She emphasized that authorities are now conducting detailed and rigorous reviews of every Afghan national admitted under the program, with all relevant agencies actively involved in the process. According to preliminary investigations, approximately 2,000 out of the 18,000 Afghan arrivals have been identified as having direct or suspected links to terrorist organizations.
Warning of serious security risks, the Director of National Intelligence said that ISIS and other terrorist groups continue to plan attacks on U.S. soil and actively seek individuals within the country who could help advance their agendas. She stressed that this threat is being treated with utmost seriousness.
Gabbard also highlighted a sharp increase in the number of individuals entering the United States illegally over the past few years, calling it another major and growing challenge to national security.
