JALALABAD, Afghanistan (AP) — An Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, charged in the shooting of two U.S. National Guard members, has a controversial history; he was previously trained by American forces. Amir Khan Muttaqi, Afghanistan’s foreign minister, emphasized that Lakanwal's actions do not reflect the Afghan populace.
Speaking during a meeting with community elders, the minister described the incident as an individual occurrence and stressed it should not label the Afghan people as a whole.
Lakanwal, 29, faces first-degree murder charges following the death of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and the critical injury of Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, both part of the West Virginia National Guard. Appearing in court via video from a hospital bed, Lakanwal pleaded not guilty to the charges amidst ongoing recovery from wounds he sustained during the incident.
Muttaqi stated, “This is an individual incident and the person who committed this act was trained by the Americans,” distancing the general population from this incident of violence.
In the wake of the shooting, the U.S. government responded with comprehensive immigration reforms which include pausing asylum applications and introducing enhanced vetting for certain immigrant groups.
Lakanwal, who reportedly worked with special Afghan Army units known as Zero Units — supported by the CIA — entered the United States in 2021 via Operation Allies Welcome, aimed at resettling Afghans post the Taliban's takeover during the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. troops.
Muttaqi condemned the actions of those in the Zero Units, stating they were responsible for numerous Afghan civilian deaths, and labeled Lakanwal's evacuation as illegal and against international protocols.
As tensions continue to unfold, this incident echoes the complexities of international military alliances and their far-reaching impacts on communities involved.
