By Kauser News Agency European office
Date: November 27, 2025
Washington, D.C. — The 2021 U.S.-led evacuation of Afghanistan brought tens of thousands of Afghan nationals to the United States. While the operation saved countless lives, it has also introduced complex counterintelligence challenges that remain largely unaddressed.
Recent incidents involving Afghan nationals have highlighted vulnerabilities in U.S. security and vetting processes. On November 26, 2025, an Afghan immigrant in Washington, D.C., identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal,
carried out an attack on the National Guard near federal government buildings. Authorities have linked the incident to extremist networks that reportedly operated both inside Afghanistan and in diaspora communities abroad.
In a separate but potentially related development, U.S. authorities report that other Afghan evacuees from the same network allegedly issued threats of a suicide-bomb attack in Texas last week.
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These threats, reportedly circulated on digital platforms, underscore the persistent risk of radicalized individuals operating within diaspora communities. While no attack occurred, federal and state law enforcement agencies are investigating the threats and increasing monitoring of at-risk networks.
Counterintelligence and Security Concerns
Security experts warn that the scale of the evacuation and the limited pre-entry vetting procedures have left gaps exploitable by extremist elements. “Some individuals were able to enter the U.S. with minimal scrutiny due to the urgency of the evacuation,” said a senior counterterrorism official. “It is critical that we now address these gaps without stigmatizing entire communities.”
Counterintelligence analysts note that extremist actors often use diasporic networks to recruit, radicalize, and plan attacks from within host countries. Digital platforms, including social media and messaging applications, are exploited for propaganda dissemination and operational coordination. The risk of small, loosely organized cells forming in multiple states, particularly where communities are concentrated, is a growing concern.
Authorities emphasize a multi-layered approach to counterintelligence in Afghan diaspora communities:
- Digital Monitoring: Law enforcement agencies monitor social media platforms, encrypted messaging apps, and livestreaming services for extremist statements or threat postings.
- Community Engagement: Local authorities work with community leaders, religious institutions, and NGOs to identify at-risk individuals and encourage reporting of suspicious activity.
- Immigration Vetting Enhancements: Federal agencies are reviewing background check procedures for evacuees, including cross-referencing intelligence databases and conducting in-person interviews.
- Rapid Response Protocols: State and federal law enforcement agencies have activated rapid response units to respond to any potential threats or suspicious activity swiftly.
Experts emphasize the need to balance vigilance with civil liberties. Overly aggressive surveillance or blanket suspicion risks alienating the communities that could provide critical intelligence to prevent attacks. “Counterintelligence is as much about building trust and information-sharing as it is about monitoring,” said one analyst familiar with the Afghan diaspora.
The events of November 2025 underscore the importance of vigilance, coordination, and proactive policy measures. While the U.S. continues to provide refuge to vulnerable populations, it faces the ongoing task of ensuring national security without compromising humanitarian commitments.
Kauser News Agency will continue to monitor developments regarding Afghan evacuees and U.S. counterintelligence efforts.
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