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Concerns Arise Over Afghan National’s Alleged Terror Plot
U.S. authorities are investigating an Afghan national, Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, who is suspected of planning a terror attack on Election Day. Officials assert that Tawhedi was radicalized two years after arriving in the United States under humanitarian parole as part of Operation Allies Welcome.
Parole Status and Vetting Process
Tawhedi sought to extend his lawful parole status in August 2023, according to reports from Fox News. At this time, he underwent another round of screening and vetting conducted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Initially vetted in September 2021 upon his entry into the U.S., Tawhedi was paroled by the Department of Homeland Security as part of the same operation aimed at assisting Afghan nationals following the Taliban’s takeover.
No Prior Derogatory Information Found
Officials maintain that no negative information regarding Tawhedi was available during both vetting processes; they believe such information did not exist at those times.
Emergence of Derogatory Information
It wasn’t until August 2024 that concerning information about Tawhedi came to light through federal law enforcement channels and DHS’s ongoing vetting systems. When he appeared on law enforcement radars, these systems had already flagged him for review, prompting DHS to engage with local FBI offices.
International Coordination Against Terrorism
The swift response from U.S. authorities included notifying French officials about a relative of Tawhedi who was reportedly involved in discussions regarding a similar attack plot in France.
A Related Arrest in France
This past weekend saw French law enforcement apprehend a 22-year-old Afghan national related to Tawhedi on suspicions linked to an ISIS-inspired attack plan within France.
The FBI’s Statement on Collaborative Efforts
The FBI provided insights into these developments through spokesperson David Spunt: “The recent arrests made both in France and by our Oklahoma City field office highlight the critical nature of international partnerships aimed at identifying and thwarting potential terrorist threats. The collaboration between American and French law enforcement has been instrumental in achieving these results.” The agency emphasized its commitment to preventing terrorism while working closely with partners domestically and abroad to safeguard communities from violence.
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