### FBI Arrests Afghan National Accused of Election Day Terror Plot Linked to ISIS-K

In a significant counter-terrorism operation, the FBI last week apprehended 27-year-old Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi in Oklahoma. Tawhedi faces allegations of plotting to carry out a mass shooting on Election Day, completing preparations to acquire two AK-47 rifles, ten magazines, and ammunition. According to court documents and statements made following his arrest, Tawhedi intended to target large gatherings of people.

The plot is notably different from other terror cases in recent years because of Tawhedi's reported connections with ISIS-K, a branch of the Islamic State. Most terror attempts in the past decade have involved individuals self-radicalized online or acting independently. Tawhedi allegedly told FBI agents he was in contact with someone named "Malik," knowing this person had ties to ISIS. At this time, Tawhedi has not been arraigned, and no plea has been entered.

Tawhedi previously worked as a security guard for the CIA in Afghanistan and relocated to the U.S. in September 2021 under a special immigrant visa following the U.S. military's withdrawal from the country. Despite undergoing rigorous vetting procedures before being resettled in the U.S., no derogatory information was detected at the time.

Interestingly, Tawhedi's mother, residing in Afghanistan, is reportedly an ISIS sympathizer, as revealed by two U.S. officials. Further compounding the concern, another family member of Tawhedi was arrested in France for allegedly plotting an attack on a stadium or shopping center. This 22-year-old Afghan national and two others were apprehended by French law enforcement on October 8, just a day after Tawhedi's arrest in Oklahoma.

French authorities had initiated an investigation into the terror plot on September 27, leading to the discoveries of radicalization and allegiance to ISIS ideology among the suspects. This case is a stark reminder of the growing global threat posed by ISIS-K, which U.S. officials have increasingly highlighted after several devastating attacks, including one at Crocus City Hall near Moscow in March which resulted in 130 deaths.

Advocates for Afghans allied with the U.S. condemned the isolated incident, stressing it does not represent the broader Afghan community. Geeta Bakshi, a former CIA counterterrorism officer and founder of FAMIL—a nonprofit supporting Afghan veterans in the U.S.—voiced concerns. "One bad apple is not reflective of the thousands of Afghan veterans who gave their lives and limbs for our country in the fight against terrorism and who remain dedicated to keeping America safe," Bakshi stated.

As the investigation continues, the case underscores the persistent challenges in addressing international terrorism and the vital importance of thorough vetting of individuals resettling in the U.S. following conflicts abroad.