After President Barack Obama ordered airstrikes this week to prevent a possible "imminent attack" by the Khorasan terrorist group, more details are emerging about the threat it poses to the United States.
According to
The Hill, the Syrian based al-Qaida-linked group poses a greater threat to the U.S. homeland than the Islamic State (ISIS). Compared to the tens of thousands of fighters in ISIS, the organization may have as few as 100 members whose intent is to attack the United States.
"We've been watching this group closely for some time. We believe the Khorasan Group is — was nearing the execution phase of an attack either in Europe or the homeland," said Army Lt. Gen. Bill Mayville, director of operations for the Join Chief of Staff, according to the Hill.
The group originated at the behest of al-Qaida's leader Ayman al-Zawahiri and focuses on advanced bomb making, particularly concealed bombs that would be capable of passing undetected through airports.
Khorasan is believed to be led by Mohsin al-Fadhli, though
unconfirmed reports this week indicated that he was killed during the American airstrikes.
Experts believe the group originated as early as 2009, formed from al-Qaida fighters in northwest Pakistan. Its members wear black clothes, face masks, and headbands with green armbands, according to the Hill.
The name of the group is highly symbolic for al-Qaida. It is based on the historical name of a region dating back to Prophet Muhammed, and a prophesy claiming that a jihadist army would emerge from the area which once encompassed Afghanistan and parts of Pakistan, Iran, and Central Asia.
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