A 29-year-old Afghan national who shot 2 West Virginia National Guards yesterday near the White House has a connection with the US forces. A source from the Taliban government has confirmed that in the past he has served as a soldier alongside U.S. forces. The man behind the brutal attack has been identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, he was a part of the 01 Unit of the former Afghan Republic. This team was established, trained and equipped by US intelligence agencies. As per internal sources, there are many members of this Unit who are currently struggling with psychological issues, some have even committed suicide and there are many who are involved in violent activities.

What happened in Washington

On Wednesday afternoon, near the Farragut West Metro Station in downtown Washington, D.C, a shooter named Rahmanullah Lakanwal wounded 2 National Guard members. As per the law enforcement sources, Lakanwal was waiting near the metro station for some time and around 2.15 pm he opened fire. He first fired a round on the chest of a female guard member and then fired on the second soldier. It was only when a third guard member stationed nearby rushed and tackled the gunman, that he was stopped. Both the injured guards are in critical condition and are being treated. During this confrontation, Lakanwal was also shot and taken to a nearby hospital.

As per the report, Lakanwal came to the United Nations under an operation named ‘Operation Allies Welcome’. This programme was launched in the year 2021 to bring at risk Afghan nationals to the United States, mostly those who assisted the US troops. As per records nearly 76,000 Afghans reached the United Nations under this initiative.

Lakanwal was residing comfortably in Bellingham, Washington until the attack that happened yesterday. Earlier this programme has been a subject to discussion and scrutiny. Trump allies, congressional Republicans and government watchdogs have argued that they saved thousands of Afghans from the Taliban.

How have political and security reacted?

The Mayor of Washington has attacked this shooting and called it targeted shooting, the Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has raised concern and announced that he will be deploying 500 additional troops to Washington. Calling for a federal prosecution, the FBI Director Kash Patel said that said the case will be prosecuted federally as the attack is on a federal law enforcement officer.

Currently around 2,400 National Guard personnel have been deployed in Washington, this include 958 National Guard and 1,300 from 8 states. This deployment will be till summer 2026.

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