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US intelligence chief warns of ‘direct threat’ from suspected terrorists inside the country
The U.S. director of national intelligence has warned of what she described as a “direct threat” from suspected terrorists living inside the country, accusing the Biden administration of failing to properly vet thousands of individuals who entered the United States in recent years.
Speaking to Fox News on Saturday, Tulsi Gabbard claimed that around 18,000 known or suspected terrorists were allowed into the country, alleging serious shortcomings in vetting procedures. “The Biden administration did not take their vetting responsibilities seriously,” she said, adding that authorities may still be unaware of additional cases.
Citing figures from the National Counterterrorism Center, Gabbard said approximately 2,000 of those individuals are Afghan nationals who entered the U.S. following the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan.
She said alleged whistleblowers told her that screening processes were rushed during that period. According to her account, officials were instructed to accelerate admissions and forego the thorough vetting normally required.
Gabbard described the situation as “devastating,” arguing that it has created security risks for Americans. She referenced a shooting just before Thanksgiving in which two U.S. National Guard members were shot, one fatally, with the suspect identified as an Afghan national.
However, reports and official reviews have previously pointed to broader circumstances surrounding the evacuation and resettlement effort. Following the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, a review conducted under then-President Joe Biden concluded that the administration was constrained by a withdrawal agreement negotiated during President Donald Trump’s first term, as well as by inadequate planning for evacuations. The report cited a lack of preparation for removing remaining troops and assisting U.S. allies, despite an approaching deadline.
Media reports have also noted that the Trump administration had several years to expand Special Immigrant Visa programs for Afghan allies but instead slowed processing and weakened systems designed to support refugee admissions. Many Afghans who entered the U.S. after 2021 had worked alongside American forces and feared retaliation if they remained in Afghanistan.
Despite heightened political rhetoric following last month’s shooting, there is no evidence that the vast majority of Afghans resettled in the United States since 2021 pose a security threat, with most described by officials and community leaders as law-abiding.
Separately, authorities in the U.S. state of Rhode Island are investigating a mass shooting near Brown University in Providence that left at least two people dead and several others injured. Officials said the incident occurred shortly after 4 p.m. local time on Saturday, prompting a large-scale emergency response involving local police, state authorities, and federal agencies including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley said seven victims remain hospitalized in stable condition, one is in critical but stable condition, and another has been released. A suspect linked to the shooting was detained on Sunday, and the investigation remains ongoing.
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Herat governor urges UN to prioritize Afghan domestic products in food purchases
Noor Ahmad Islamjar, the governor of Herat, has urged the United Nations to give priority to domestic Afghan products when procuring food and essential goods.
According to a statement from the Herat governor’s office, Islamjar met with Indrika Ratwatte, the UN humanitarian coordinator in Afghanistan, and Arafat Jamal, Representative of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office in Afghanistan.
During the meeting, the governor praised the UN’s cooperation and described the support provided during the first wave of returning migrants as a significant success. He emphasized that the local administration is fully prepared to address the needs of any potential new wave of migrants.
Islamjar also stressed the importance of international support in expanding foreign markets for Afghan agricultural and industrial products, and called for easing banking restrictions, facilitating visa issuance, and improving online services for the private sector and local traders.
In response, Indrika Ratwatte welcomed the governor’s proposals and assured that the UN would strive to source necessary goods from Afghan domestic products in the future, while continuing its cooperation with the local administration across various sectors.
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Four civilians killed in Khost overnight in Pakistani military attacks
Hamdullah Fetrat, Deputy Spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate, reported on Thursday that four civilians were killed overnight in Khost province during artillery and mortar shelling by the Pakistani military.
The attacks occurred around 4:00 a.m. in Alishir-Trezi district.
The victims were members of a nomadic family, including a man, a woman, and two children. Three additional children were injured in the strikes.
The Pakistani military also carried out attacks in Kunar province last night. While no casualties were reported there, several homes and private properties were damaged.
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China urges de-escalation in Iran crisis and Afghanistan–Pakistan tensions
Wang noted that China’s Special Envoy for Afghan Affairs is currently shuttling between the two countries to help promote dialogue and reconciliation.
China has called for restraint and dialogue amid rising regional tensions, saying diplomatic efforts are needed to prevent further escalation in both the Iran crisis and the border clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
According to China’s Foreign Ministry, Wang Yi, the Foreign Minister of China, held a phone conversation with Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, to discuss recent developments.
During the call, Wang said the key to preventing further escalation in Iran lies in halting military operations by the United States and Israel. He said China does not condone attacks on Gulf states and strongly condemns strikes against civilians and civilian infrastructure.
The discussion also addressed the recent clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Wang noted that China’s Special Envoy for Afghan Affairs is currently shuttling between the two countries to help promote dialogue and reconciliation.
He emphasized that the immediate priority is to prevent further escalation and ensure a swift return to negotiations between the two sides.
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