ISIS-K, Al Qaeda Could have Capability to Attack U.S. in 6 Months

According to a senior Pentagon official, terrorist groups in Afghanistan could be able to – and plan to – attack the U.S. in as little as six months under certain circumstances. 

Colin Kahl, the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee Tuesday regarding the botched Afghanistan withdrawal, per the Daily Caller. Kahl said that “current assessments by the intelligence committee” indicates both ISIS-K and Al-Qaeda intent to conduct international operations.

Under Secretary of Defense Colin Kahl: ISIS-K and Al Qaeda will likely have the capability to attack the United States in six months to two years.

“We are fairly certain they have the intention” to attack. pic.twitter.com/M4HAJIZBN5

— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) October 26, 2021

“We’re actually fairly certain that they have the intention to do so,” he said. “We could see ISIS-K generate that capability in somewhere between six or 12 months, according to current assessments by the intelligence committee.” 

“And for Al-Qaeda, it would take a year or two to reconstitute that capability,” he continued. “We have to remain vigilant against that possibility.” 

Kahl said that despite the assessment, the risk to America “is at its lowest point” since 9/11.