A man admitted to the United States through the Biden administration’s Kabul evacuation effort now faces federal charges for allegedly plotting attacks against American civilians. Mohammad Dawood Alokozay, 30, originally from Afghanistan and currently residing in Texas, was initially charged with making terrorist threats at the state level last week.
Federal prosecutors have now escalated the charges, alleging Alokozay threatened to “build a bomb,” commit a suicide attack, and kill both Americans and others. The charges stem from a video allegedly posted online, featuring Alokozay speaking angrily in Dari, a common Afghan language, while interacting with two other individuals via video call.
The video reportedly included Arabic lettering and a disturbing reference to a specific type of cooking oil container frequently used by the Taliban in the construction of improvised explosive devices. Alokozay allegedly stated his intention to kill those on the call and to carry out a suicide attack against Americans.
Alokozay arrived in the U.S. under Operation Allies Welcome, the program designed to resettle Afghans following the 2021 withdrawal of U.S. forces from Kabul. He was later granted lawful permanent resident status in September 2022.
This case unfolds against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny regarding the vetting process for Afghan evacuees. Just days prior to these federal charges, officials announced a full investigation into the backgrounds of permanent residents originating from certain regions, prompted by a separate incident involving another Afghan evacuee accused of shooting National Guardsmen.
According to the indictment, Alokozay’s threats extended to those participating in the video call, as well as to “infidels” and U.S. citizens generally. He reportedly expressed a chilling lack of fear regarding deportation or even death in the pursuit of his alleged plans.
Authorities credit a swift response from state and federal agencies, including the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, with preventing Alokozay from potentially carrying out his threats. The investigation was triggered by public reports of the threatening video content.
Prosecutors have emphasized a “zero tolerance” policy for threats against the American people, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations and the commitment to public safety. The case is currently being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas.
