Pentagon officials say ISIS-K might have the ability to attack American targets in the next six to twelve months, and al Qaeda could also increase their capabilities.
Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Colin Kahl spoke to the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday and said neither group is an imminent threat, but they need to be watched carefully in case things change quickly.
Kahl stated, “I think the intelligence community currently assesses that both ISIS-K and al Qaeda have the intent to conduct external operations, including against the United States. But neither currently has the capability to do so”.
We could see ISIS-K generate that capability in somewhere between six or 12 months. I think the current assessments by the intelligence community is that al Qaeda would take a year or two to reconstitute that capability.
Others agreed with Kahl, including Lt. Gen. James Mingus, who also testified at the hearing.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley has also warned about an increase in international terror despite terror groups not being as strong as they used to be.
Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, asked Kahl how the U.S. would know if either group planned to attack once they were capable. “Well, I think we are actually fairly certain that they have the intention to do so,” he said, explaining there is “considerable evidence”.