Former CIA Deputy Director Mike Morrell recently expressed concerns about the potential terror threats stemming from vulnerabilities at the U.S.-Mexico border. In a joint op-ed with Graham Allison, former United States Assistant Secretary of Defense for Policy and Plans, published in Foreign Affairs on June 10, they highlighted the need for additional measures to prevent potential terrorists from exploiting the overwhelmed border to enter the country.
The op-ed underscored FBI Director Christopher Wray’s repeated warnings about the heightened threat environment, particularly since the attack by Hamas terrorists in southern Israel last fall. Wray has drawn attention to the security gaps at the southern border, emphasizing the risk of individuals on the terrorist watch list attempting to enter the country through this route.
The authors also pointed out the FBI’s efforts in thwarting various terror plots within the United States, such as an Iranian official’s attempt to hire a hitman to assassinate John Bolton and an Iraqi national’s plan to smuggle individuals across the border to assassinate former President George W. Bush. These incidents underscore the urgent need for robust security measures to prevent potential terrorist attacks.
Moreover, the op-ed highlighted the concerns raised by United States Central Command (CENTCOM) commander General Erik Kurilla regarding the terror groups operating in the Middle East, especially following the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan. Kurilla has specifically raised alarms about ISIS-K, the ISIS affiliate in Afghanistan and Pakistan, which has carried out deadly attacks in the region.
The article also mentioned the potential for collaboration with the Taliban to target ISIS-K militants overseas, despite the challenges associated with such an approach. The authors emphasized the importance of policymakers rising to the challenge of protecting the U.S. homeland against the evolving terrorist threats.
As the threat of terrorist attacks continues to loom, it is crucial for the government to take decisive action to secure the border, enhance intelligence-sharing efforts, and strengthen counterterrorism measures. The safety and security of the nation depend on proactive measures to prevent potential threats from materializing on U.S. soil.