Top anti-terrorism official warns the U.S. is ignoring growing threat of ISIS in the Sahel at its own peril

Brett Holmgren, head of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center, has cautioned that the U.S. is underestimating the growing threat of ISIS in Africa's Sahel region, a decision he believes could have serious repercussions in the future. Speaking to Politico, Holmgren emphasized the long-term danger posed by the Islamic State’s expansion in the area.

“The ISIS threat in Africa is, in our view, potentially one of the greatest long-term threats to U.S. interests,” Holmgren said. “They’ve clearly prioritized Africa as a growth opportunity.”

He explained that U.S. national security priorities are currently dominated by the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, alongside challenges from China and Russia. This focus has left emerging threats in Africa, including the rise of extremism, deprioritized—a decision Holmgren warns could be dangerously shortsighted.

ISIS is leveraging local divisions in the Sahel to further its goals, Holmgren noted, but he predicts their ambitions will expand to include targeting U.S. assets in the region.

Other counterterrorism officials share this concern.

“I hate to use this cliché, but it really is a ticking time bomb,” another senior official told Politico. “If we let this threat in the Sahel metastasize, we’ll really come to regret it.”

Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump’s transition team declined to comment on counterterrorism strategies, stating only that Trump would “restore peace through strength around the world.” On Friday, he announced that Sebastian Gorka, a conservative commentator, would serve as senior director for counterterrorism in his administration.

Gorka’s appointment has sparked controversy, with former diplomat and national security advisor John Bolton labeling him a “con man” unfit for government service. In a CNN interview, Bolton remarked that Gorka’s selection “does not bode well for counter-terrorism efforts.”