Over the last month, American law enforcement officials separately arrested two men from California and South Carolina on terrorism charges, documenting their alleged support for the Islamic State (IS). These arrests, combined with recent guilty pleas for an election-day terrorist plot from two other individuals, indicate the jihadist group’s staying power and continued ability to attract supporters.
Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed Said, a former Michigan Army National Guardsman, is charged with providing material support to the Islamic State. Said is the fourth individual and second veteran to be implicated in an Islamic State-inspired attack this year.
Abdullah Haji Zada, an 18-year-old legal permanent resident living in Oklahoma, pled guilty to conspiring to receive firearms intended for an election-day terrorist attack on behalf of the Islamic State. Six other individuals have been detained for their connection to the Islamic State since Zada’s arrest, underscoring a persistent threat to the US.
The Islamic State radicalized Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who killed 14 people in New Orleans on January 1. Subsequent investigations and arrests of additional alleged terrorism plotters by US authorities point to jihadist groups’ continuing propaganda efforts and the threat of attacks on US soil.
Two US citizens conducted separate attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas. Fifteen people were killed and dozens injured after a terrorist who declared membership in the Islamic State (IS) rammed a vehicle into a crowd on Bourbon Street. In a second incident being investigated as a possible terrorist attack, the driver was killed when he intentionally detonated a vehicle in front of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, injuring seven. Law enforcement officials are investigating if the attacks are connected but have found no links, thus far.
US law enforcement agencies have apprehended or charged 11 individuals involved in plots supporting the Islamic State or Iran since October 8, underscoring both US adversaries’ continued determination to kill Americans at home and abroad.
The Afghanistan Freedom Front (AFF), led by former Afghan Armed Forces Chief of General Staff Yasin Zia, is increasing the scope and lethality of its attacks. While the AFF is still in its infancy, Zia’s battlefield experience bodes well for its future.
After meeting the ruler of the UAE, Sirajuddin Haqqani traveled to Saudi Arabia to attend the Hajj. His travel was approved by the international community. Official recognition is almost certainly to follow.
The anti-Taliban resistance is gaining strength and conducting more attacks on the Taliban regime. However, these groups lack cohesion, outside support, and a safe haven. Until those requirements are met, they will lack the strength to be a formidable challenger to Taliban rule.