Shooting in Washington: Suspect Served in CIA Special Forces in Afghanistan.

According to ТСН: The man suspected of shooting at two U.S. National Guard personnel in Washington previously served in Afghan military units that supported the CIA.

The suspect was identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal. He was part of the Afghan 'partner force' in the southern Kandahar province, which was a Taliban stronghold during the twenty-year war. After the evacuation of American troops from Afghanistan in August 2021, he was relocated to the U.S. under a program for Afghans who collaborated with American agencies.

According to CIA Director John Ratcliff, Lakanwal likely belonged to the Zero Units – paramilitary units of the Afghan intelligence that conducted nighttime raids against suspected Taliban members. These units have been criticized by human rights advocates for mass killings of civilians. One of Lakanwal's brothers was a deputy commander of the Zero Unit in Kandahar, known as '03'.

Involvement of CIA Units

The partner units of the CIA played a critical role during the evacuation of Americans and Afghans in 2021. Although many Afghan military formations disbanded under Taliban pressure, CIA units remained active and helped people flee the country.

What is known about the suspect

Rahmanullah grew up in Khost province in eastern Afghanistan. A friend, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that Lakanwal had mental health issues, likely due to PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) symptoms.

‘He saw blood, the suffering of the wounded... This weighed heavily on his psyche,’ he said.

Taliban officials condemned the actions of the Zero Units during the war. Sediqullah Kurayishi Badlun, a provincial official in Nangarhar, accused these units of looting during the chaotic fall of the U.S.-backed government.

‘After that, they fled to the U.S. in search of a better life. These traitors still do not let the Afghan people live in peace,’ Badlun wrote on social media.

On November 26, a shooting occurred near the White House in Washington, resulting in the fatal wounding of two National Guardsmen. This drew a response from President Donald Trump and U.S. Vice President Jay D. Vance.

This tragic event highlights the complexity of the situation faced by Afghan migrants, many of whom bear the scars of war. Lakanwal's case raises questions about how prior conflicts can affect the psychological state of individuals seeking safety and a new life in another country.