U.S. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines considered that the greatest threat to her country from international terrorism arises from countries such as Yemen, Somalia, Syria, and Iraq, rather than Afghanistan. Avril stated at a national security conference in the Washington suburbs: "Although U.S. intelligence officials are closely monitoring whether terrorist groups will re-emerge in Afghanistan, it is no longer a source of concern regarding harboring terrorists who can execute attacks within the United States."
She added: "We do not prioritize Afghanistan… rather we look at Yemen, Somalia, Syria, and Iraq… there we see the more serious threats." She continued: "Nonetheless, there is a 'significant focus' from U.S. intelligence on monitoring the potential for terrorist groups to reconstitute themselves in Afghanistan." She noted that "intelligence gathering inside Afghanistan has declined since the U.S. withdrawal."
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed on Monday that Washington achieved its goals in Afghanistan with the killing of Bin Laden and the deterioration of Al-Qaeda's capabilities, pointing out that President Joe Biden had no choice but to end the war or escalate it. He explained that the U.S. is in direct contact with Americans present in Afghanistan, stating that "the majority of Americans left Afghanistan by August 31."
He also affirmed that Washington will not rely on Taliban commitments and will maintain its counterterrorism abilities, emphasizing that the United States provided the Afghan people with $330 million this year.
