A prominent military figure has issued a stark warning.
Retired Gen. Frank McKenzie, known for his leadership during the U.S. military's withdrawal from Afghanistan, has voiced significant concerns over a looming ISIS attack on American soil.
Frank McKenzie, the head of U.S. Central Command during the withdrawal process, conveyed his worries during an ABC News interview on Sunday. The retired general's statements draw attention to the strengthened capacity of ISIS to orchestrate attacks, particularly after the U.S. forces left Afghanistan, the Daily Mail reported.
This assessment comes in the wake of ISIS's recent violent activities, which include a devastating attack in Russia and a suicide bombing in Iran, claiming scores of lives.
McKenzie underscored the emboldening of ISIS-K, a branch of the terror organization, emphasizing their clear intent to target not only the United States but also its allies and other countries worldwide.
A deteriorating global security outlook
The Islamic terror group ISIS took responsibility for a heinous attack at a music hall in Moscow last March, resulting in the loss of over 140 civilians. Adding to the grim tally, ISIS also claimed a suicide bombing in Iran that took 95 lives in January. These incidents underscore the group's relentless aggression and growing boldness in executing terror operations.
Frank McKenzie elaborated on the adverse impacts of the U.S. military's departure from Afghan soil. He critiqued the move for allowing ISIS-K to proliferate unchecked and more potent than ever. This criticism is rooted in the belief that a sustained U.S. and NATO allied presence could have exerted the necessary pressure to curb the terror group's ambitions.
I think the threat is growing. It began to grow as soon as we left Afghanistan, it took pressure off ISIS-K. So I think we should expect further attempts of this nature against the United States as well as our partners and other nations abroad. I think this is inevitable.
This view is compounded by McKenzie's skepticism towards President Joe Biden's assurances of the U.S.'s 'over-the-horizon capability' in Afghanistan. According to McKenzie, the current U.S. stance severely limits its ability to surveil and counterstrike within Afghan borders, practically leaving ISIS with a free hand to consolidate and plan.
Recent attacks signal alarming trends
The conversation around ISIS's capabilities has taken on a new urgency following the attack at Crocus City Hall in Moscow. The barbarity of this event, characterized by gun violence and resulting in a massive fire, illustrates a worrying escalation in ISIS's operational scope.
Additionally, propaganda material featuring militants in Afghanistan has been disseminated by ISIS, further highlighting their increasing audacity and intent to broadcast their strength. McKenzie's reflections on the situation paint a bleak picture of the current counter-terrorism landscape.
In conclusion, the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan has emerged as a pivot in the ongoing struggle against ISIS. Retired Gen. Frank McKenzie's insights illuminate the complexities and challenges inherent in managing the resurgence of terrorism.
The vivid portraits of recent ISIS atrocities underscore a grim reality: the threat of an ISIS attack on U.S. soil appears not just probable but 'inevitable.' This dire prediction, rooted in the aftermath of strategic decisions and evolving global dynamics, calls for reevaluating counter-terrorism strategies and international collaboration.
