NY-NJ Bombings Update: Suspect Possibly Linked To The Taliban? [VIDEO]
Ahmad Khan Rahami, the 28-year-old terror suspect who was behind a series of bombings and attempted attacks in New York and New Jersey, is currently being investigated for having possible links to the Taliban. Investigators have found that Rahami has spent considerable time in the Middle East during the last few years.
According to investigators, Rahami, who is a naturalized American citizen, was originally born in Afghanistan. Back in April 2013, however, the would-be bomber traveled to the Middle East, stating in Quetta, Pakistan and Afghanistan until March the following year.
While his travels then could have easily been a visit to family in his native country, investigators are exploring the possibility of Rahami being radicalized by the Taliban and other terror groups during that time.
Considering the places Rahami visited during his April 2013 trip, it is indeed plausible that he came in contact with terror cells. Quetta, which is home to about 2 million residents, is a known hotspot for terror groups. Numerous reports have also alleged that the city houses the top echelons of the Taliban.
In an interview with ABC News, national security consultant Richard Clarke stated that the length of Rahami's stay in the Taliban hotspot raises suspicion.
"If they spent more than a few days, it raises suspicions that while they were there, they will have been recruited by terrorist groups," he said.
Rahami remains in police custody after his dramatic arrest last Monday, where he was apprehended by authorities in Linden, New Jersey. During his arrest, Rahami, together with two police officers, were injured in the ensuing firefight.
The NY, NJ bomber currently faces five counts of attempted murder in the first-degree and two second-degree weapons charges for his brief reign of terror in New York and New Jersey. Other charges are set to be added later as investigations continue.