US flags links between 2,000 Afghan nationals and terror groups

WEB DESK: US authorities have identified links between around 2,000 Afghan nationals living in the United States and terrorist organisations, according to comments by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.

Speaking to US media, Gabbard criticised what she described as a slow and inadequate vetting process for Afghan nationals who entered the country during the Biden administration under Operation Allies Welcome. She said approximately 18,000 Afghans arrived in the US as part of the programme and claimed that proper screening was not carried out at the time.

Gabbard said federal agencies are now closely reviewing the cases of all Afghan nationals who entered under the initiative, adding that multiple institutions have been mobilised to reassess security risks.

She revealed that out of the 18,000 individuals, about 2,000 are believed to have direct or potential links to terrorist organisations. According to her, extremist groups such as the Islamic State continue to plan attacks on US soil, making thorough scrutiny essential.

US authorities, she said, remain on high alert as investigations and security reviews continue.