An Afghan migrant residing in Oklahoma City, identified as Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi, has been charged with conspiring to execute a terrorist attack in the United States, allegedly on behalf of ISIS. The Justice Department disclosed a criminal complaint against Tawhedi this week, outlining how he planned an attack on Election Day, November 5, 2024.
The arrest affidavit includes details of Tawhedi’s alleged actions, such as purchasing AK-47-style weapons. The Justice Department’s affidavit also highlights Tawhedi’s communications, which suggest his intent to become a martyr for the Islamic State.
Tawhedi entered the United States through the “Special Immigrant Visa” (SIV) program after U.S. exit from Afghanistan. Since 2008, nearly 120,000 SIVs have been awarded to Afghans, though the Biden-Harris government extended thousands of more invitations following their botched withdrawal and Taliban-backed threats to the lives of those who helped Americans in the occupation.
According to reports, Tawhedi’s brother-in-law, referred to as CC 1, was also admitted to the U.S. in 2018.
In May 2024, the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General noted shortcomings in the vetting procedures under Operation Allies Welcome.
According to Voice of America, “about 26,500 SIVs were granted to Afghans” in 2023, which was “more than double the previous year’s total of 11,000 and a record since the program’s inception in 2008.”
