WASHINGTON: Concerns have been raised over Afghan nationals residing in the United States after the disclosure of alleged links between some individuals and terrorist organisations.
Nearly 2,000 Afghan citizens in the United States have been flagged over potential security risks, according to U.S. media reports. The disclosure has triggered alarm within American political and security circles.
The information was shared with the House Homeland Security Committee by Joe Kent, Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, during a congressional briefing. It was stated that around 88,000 Afghan nationals were relocated to the United States after 2021.
Of that number, approximately 2,000 individuals have been identified on the basis of security concerns, the briefing said.
The assessment was later confirmed by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard in an interview with US media.
Gabbard criticised the screening process carried out during the Biden administration. The vetting of Afghan arrivals was described as slow and ineffective.
She said about 18,000 Afghan nationals entered the United States under Operation Allies Welcome. Comprehensive and effective screening was not conducted at the time, she added.
According to Gabbard, each Afghan national admitted under the programme is now being re-evaluated. All relevant agencies have been activated for the review process.
Preliminary investigations have indicated that nearly 2,000 of the 18,000 Afghan nationals admitted under the programme may have direct or potential links to terrorist groups, she said.
A warning was also issued about the ongoing threat posed by militant organisations. It was said that ISIS and other extremist groups remain engaged in planning attacks on U.S. soil.
Such groups were described as actively seeking individuals inside the United States who could support or advance their objectives. The threat is being treated with extreme seriousness, Gabbard said.
She also pointed to a sharp rise in illegal migration into the United States in recent years. The trend was described as another growing challenge to national security.
