Officials are investigating whether PTSD might have contributed to an assault by Rahmanullah Rakanwal, a gunman in D.C., due to his time serving in a CIA-supported Afghan unit linked to alleged atrocities.
Rakanwal, 29, previously commanded a faction known as the Kandahar Strike Force, part of the U.S. military operations in Afghanistan. He was described as “responsible and professional,” according to sources. However, he faced significant mental health challenges after arriving in the U.S. in 2021 under Operation Welcoming Allies, a Biden-era initiative aimed at assisting Afghans who fought against the Taliban.
“He was respected for his professionalism and held strong anti-Taliban views,” noted Lt. Gen. Sami Sadat, who led Afghanistan’s National Special Operations Forces.
This married father of five is accused of opening fire on two National Guardsmen on Wednesday, resulting in one death and another serious injury. Authorities suspect this was part of a potential terrorist attack as he fled Washington state.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear. However, federal investigators are probing whether Rakanwal’s mental health, possibly exacerbated since moving to the U.S., played a role.
Additionally, officials are exploring foreign influences and any ideological motivations in their investigation.
Rakanwal arrived in the U.S. during the withdrawal from Afghanistan and was a part of the Kandahar attack unit. Sadat indicated that he was integral to the unit’s operations team.
Despite the stress of the Taliban threat, Rakanwal maintained a relatively calm demeanor and a clean record, although he was reportedly struggling with PTSD.
U.S. authorities briefed that Rakanwal was deeply affected by losses within his unit and mourned the death of a close friend back home.
A childhood friend described him as having been deeply troubled by the violence he witnessed. “He couldn’t handle seeing the blood, the bodies… it was a lot for him to bear,” the friend recounted.
Rakanwal is suspected of killing Army Special Forces member Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and wounding Air Force Chief of Staff Andrew Wolff during a shooting incident in Farragut Square, Washington, D.C., raising concerns about his transition to the U.S.
While serving in the Middle East, Rakanwal was part of Zero Force, which was associated with the former Afghan intelligence services and received CIA support. Members of this elite unit underwent extensive evaluations and monitoring, according to sources.
Although there are reports about attacks by Afghan military and police against American forces, Rakanwal’s unit did not face such issues. Sadat mentioned that while there are no confirmed links between Rakanwal and any terrorist organizations, they can’t completely dismiss the possibility either.
An inquiry into the vetting process for Rakanwal’s special immigrant visa is pending; he applied in 2024 and was approved in April this year.
Interestingly, Rakanwal’s older brother served alongside him in the same unit and rose to the rank of platoon leader. A cousin claimed that Rakanwal began his career as a security guard before advancing to a team leader and GPS specialist.
According to a 2019 report from Human Rights Watch, Zero Force engaged in covert operations and nighttime raids against enemies but was also infamous for severe violence allegations, earning the nickname “Death Squad.”
