Terrorism in the News
Al Qaeda Has not Regrouped in Afghanistan
An intelligence report has found that al Qaeda members have not reconstructed a presence in Afghanistan since the withdrawal last August, and that only long term members have stayed in country. In addition to that, they have no current methods of attacking the US. Some other agencies feel that this view is optimistic and that the situation is still fluid and could change at any moment. The assessment was done after the drone strike on the Al Qaeda top leader, Ayman al- Zawahri.
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/13/us/politics/al-qaeda-afghanistan.html
ISIS remains a global and evolving threat.
The UN Security Council feels that the terrorist group is still a concern and still maintains the ability to exploit conflict dynamics, government frailties, and the ability to incite, plan and organize terrorist attacks. In addition, they have exploited pandemic restrictions, misused digital spaces for recruitment, and have significantly increased the usage of unmanned aerial systems.
Terrorism caught at the border
Customs and Border Patrol has detained 10 suspected terrorists at the US-Mexico boundary in July. In recent months there has been an increase in fentanyl crossing the border. It has been reported that 2,072 pounds of fentanyl have been confiscated at the border in July. Issues with illegal crossings has been going down in recent months but still boasts around 200,000 people.
https://m.washingtontimes.com/news/2022/aug/15/agents-nab-10-more-terrorism-suspects-southern-bor/
Further Reading:
DHS Preventing Terrorism
Arrested for Threatening FBI Personnel
A Pennsylvania man was arrested for making violent threats against FBI agents. Using a Gab account under the username BlankFocus, he was quoted saying “My only goal is to kill more of them before I drop.” And “if you work for the FBI then you deserve to die” He is being charged with influencing, impeding, or retaliating against federal law enforcement. He faces a max prison sentence of 10 years.
Further Reading:
Freedom of speech does not include the right to….