JALALABAD, Afghanistan (AP) — An Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, has been charged with the first-degree murder of U.S. National Guard members following a shooting incident that occurred last week. This incident not only resulted in the death of one soldier but also critically injured another, raising serious concerns over U.S.-Afghan relations.
Amir Khan Muttaqi, Afghanistan's foreign minister, responded to the situation on Wednesday, emphasizing that Lakanwal's actions should not be reflective of the Afghan people. He stated during a meeting with community elders that this is an 'individual incident' and that such violence does not represent the majority of Afghans who have a history of working with the U.S. forces.
Lakanwal, who was previously trained by American forces and served in special units affiliated with the CIA, entered the U.S. in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, which was set up to resettle Afghans after the Taliban overran the country. During his initial court appearance via video link from a hospital bed, he pleaded not guilty to murder and assault charges.
The incident has prompted the U.S. government to implement new immigration restrictions, including halting asylum applications, as officials seek to ensure the safety of their services abroad. Muttaqi stressed that the evacuation process that allowed Lakanwal to flee Afghanistan was problematic, describing it as 'an illegal process that did not comply with any international principles'. This case underscores the ongoing challenges in fortifying U.S.-Afghan interaction amid increasing anxiety over national security.
Amir Khan Muttaqi, Afghanistan's foreign minister, responded to the situation on Wednesday, emphasizing that Lakanwal's actions should not be reflective of the Afghan people. He stated during a meeting with community elders that this is an 'individual incident' and that such violence does not represent the majority of Afghans who have a history of working with the U.S. forces.
Lakanwal, who was previously trained by American forces and served in special units affiliated with the CIA, entered the U.S. in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, which was set up to resettle Afghans after the Taliban overran the country. During his initial court appearance via video link from a hospital bed, he pleaded not guilty to murder and assault charges.
The incident has prompted the U.S. government to implement new immigration restrictions, including halting asylum applications, as officials seek to ensure the safety of their services abroad. Muttaqi stressed that the evacuation process that allowed Lakanwal to flee Afghanistan was problematic, describing it as 'an illegal process that did not comply with any international principles'. This case underscores the ongoing challenges in fortifying U.S.-Afghan interaction amid increasing anxiety over national security.
