FBI launched an investigation into the alleged assault on a female soldier by a group male Afghan refugees who were lodged at a New Mexico military base.
Fox News reported that a tip from Fort Bliss Afghan refugee complex in New Mexico was being pursued by the agency. It stated that a female military service member was attacked on September 19, 2009, by a small number of male evacuees.
The referral was received from Fort Bliss and our office is investigating, FBI special agent Jeanette Harper said to Fox News.
In a Fox News statement, we can confirm that a female soldier supporting Operation Allies was attacked by a small number of male evacuees on Sept. 19. This occurred at the Doa Ana Complex in New Mexico. The 1st Armored Division as well as Fort Bliss Public Affairs stated. The Federal Bureau of Investigation was notified and we took the allegation very seriously. Our safety and well-being is of paramount importance to our service personnel as well as those who work on our installations.
Task Force-Bliss will also implement additional security measures, including increased safety patrols and lighting and enforcement of Dona Ana Complex's buddy system, according to the statement. We will fully cooperate with the FBI and ensure that the service member who reported this attack is fully supported.
Some Republican lawmakers warned that thousands of Afghan refugees could be admitted to the United States without proper screening procedures after the failed U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan. Many immigration experts claim that it was more difficult to screen evacuees because of the haphazard and rush-like circumstances. They claim that individuals from Kabul with criminal or questionable records may still be eligible to resettle in the U.S.
Continue the story
Republican Congresswoman Yvette HERNELL, who represents New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District, where the FBI investigation base is located, called the incident of violence a vetting fail.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the brave soldier and her family. She tweeted that this is yet another tragic error in the Afghan national vetting process. American citizens deserve answers.
National Review: More
