Retired Gen. Frank McKenzie, the former head of U.S. Central Command, issued a stark warning on Sunday about the growing threat of ISIS to the U.S. and other foreign powers. In an interview with ABC News’ “This Week,” McKenzie emphasized that the terror group has a “strong desire” to attack the U.S. and its allies, a threat that he believes is only increasing.
McKenzie pointed to recent attacks claimed by ISIS-K, including a deadly bombing in Moscow, Russia, that killed over 140 people. He noted that the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan in 2021 has allowed ISIS-K to regroup and plan further attacks, making the threat of terrorism more imminent.
The retired general criticized the decision to completely pull out of Afghanistan, stating that maintaining a small troop presence in the region would have been more effective in combating extremists. He highlighted the lack of “over-the-horizon capability” to respond quickly to threats in Afghanistan now that U.S. troops are no longer stationed there.
McKenzie also raised concerns about the ability of terror groups like ISIS to regroup and plan large-scale operations, as seen in the Moscow attack. He warned that these groups are becoming more emboldened and may attempt to carry out attacks on U.S. soil, taking advantage of vulnerabilities at the southern border.
European leaders have also sounded the alarm about the prospect of war, with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk urging European nations to invest more in defense. The warnings come amid heightened tensions in the region, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Sweden’s decision to join NATO.
McKenzie’s sobering assessment serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat posed by ISIS and other terror groups, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and preparedness in the face of evolving security challenges.
