A suspected Afghan terrorist who killed National Guard troops Sarah Beckstrom and wounded Andrew Wolfe near the White House once fought for a CIA-backed paramilitary “Zero Unit,” sources confirm.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, aged 29, was a member of elite Afghan units that were trained, funded, and equipped by the CIA to fight against the Taliban alongside U.S. forces for nearly ten years.

After the Biden administration’s tumultuous withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, Lakanwal sought refuge in Bellingham, Washington, where he now resides with his family of five. His involvement with a Zero Unit began around the age of 16 in 2012, eventually advancing to the role of team leader and GPS specialist until his departure in 2021.

A childhood acquaintance shared with the New York Times the psychological impacts of the intense violence Lakanwal witnessed: “Seeing blood, bodies, and the injured was unbearable for him.” The friend explained that the missions were extremely challenging, placing Lakanwal under significant stress, which contributed to substance abuse and a hasty marriage.

Former President Donald Trump publicly announced the tragic passing of 20-year-old Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, stating, “I must regrettably inform you that just before coming here, I learned about Sarah Beckstrom from West Virginia… she was brutally attacked and is now gone. An incredible person, excelling in every way. It’s a terrible loss.”

Beckstrom, who joined the West Virginia National Guard’s 863rd Military Police Company in June 2023, served alongside 24-year-old Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe from the 167th Airlift Wing. They had been patrolling Washington, D.C., since August as part of increased security measures.

May God be with her family 🙏 pic.twitter.com/BEbAOxmJme

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) November 27, 2025

Beckstrom, who enlisted in June 2023 with the West Virginia National Guard’s 863rd Military Police Company, and 24-year-old Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe of the 167th Airlift Wing had patrolled D.C. since August as part of heightened security deployments.

The ambush-style attack near Farragut Square has raised questions about vetting CIA allies resettled in the U.S. Zero Units, tied to Afghan intelligence but reliant on CIA support, conducted high-stakes raids, per Rolling Stone reports cited in coverage. The Wall Street Journal confirmed Lakanwal’s CIA-linked work in Afghanistan.

Journalist Lara Logan warned against broad blame in a tweet: “They want you to hate all Afghans. They want you to blame refugees. Whatever you do, don’t look past that to those orchestrating this.”

National Guard presence in D.C. had become routine amid urban security efforts, making the victims fixtures in the capital before the sudden violence. Lakanwal faces upgraded charges including first-degree murder. The case spotlights lingering fallout from U.S. foreign policy, mental health crises among proxies, and risks to Americans at home.