ISIS using Afghanistan as staging ground for terror plots after US withdrawal: report
Fox News
A classified intelligence assessment leaked online reveals that Islamic State terrorists operating in Afghanistan have been plotting attacks in Europe, Asia and the United States since President Biden's withdrawal in 2021.
"Pentagon officials were aware in December of nine such plots coordinated by ISIS leaders in Afghanistan, and the number rose to 15 by February, says the assessment, which has not been disclosed previously," the newspaper reported. The assessment is reportedly labeled top-secret and bears the logos of several Department of Defense organizations. Chris Pandolfo is a writer for Fox News Digital. Send tips to chris.pandolfo@fox.com and follow him on Twitter @ChrisCPandolfo.
"ISIS has been developing a cost-effective model for external operations that relies on resources from outside Afghanistan, operatives in target countries, and extensive facilitation networks," the assessment reads, according to The Washington Post. "The model will likely enable ISIS to overcome obstacles — such as competent security services — and reduce some plot timelines, minimizing disruption opportunities."