WASHINGTON: An Afghan national accused of threatening to carry out a suicide attack and build a bomb has been formally charged in federal court in Fort Worth, Texas.

The arrest comes amid heightened scrutiny of Afghan nationals in the United States following multiple terrorism-related incidents.

Mohammad Dawood Alokozay, 30, posted a video on TikTok, X, and Facebook in which he allegedly threatened to kill Americans and other “infidels”, claimed loyalty to the Taliban, and suggested he would construct a bomb using materials similar to those used by the Taliban for improvised explosive devices in Afghanistan.

Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin of the Department of Homeland Security said the video indicated that the Fort Worth area was Alokozay’s intended target.

US Attorney General Pamela Bondi warned, “This Afghan national came into America during the Biden administration and, as alleged, explicitly stated that he came here in order to kill American citizens. The public safety threat created by the Biden administration’s vetting breakdown cannot be overstated.”

Attorney Ryan Raybould for the Northern District of Texas said, “We have zero tolerance for violence and threats of violence to kill American citizens and others like those allegedly made by this individual.”

FBI Dallas Field Office Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock added, “This arrest demonstrates that the FBI remains steadfast in our mission to defend the homeland and protect the American people.”

Alokozay, who entered the US under President Biden’s “Operation Allies Welcome”, is charged with transmitting a threatening communication in interstate commerce.

He remains in custody pending an initial appearance before a US magistrate judge. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison.

Published in Dawn, December 3rd, 2025