Two Afghan nationals facing serious terrorism-related charges in the United States have been linked through their past service at the same counterterrorism base in Kandahar, according to a new report.
Charges Filed in Separate Incidents
On Tuesday, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, was formally charged with first-degree murder for the killing of National Guard service member Sarah Beckstrom, 20, on November 25. Lakanwal allegedly opened fire on two deployed guardsmen in Washington DC, killing Beckstrom and critically injuring 24-year-old Andy Wolfe.
On the same day, the US Justice Department announced charges against Mohammad Alokozay, 30. He is accused of transmitting a threatening communication for allegedly vowing, in a recorded video call posted on social media, to build a bomb and conduct a suicide attack to kill Americans.
Past Links in Kandahar
Sources have revealed to the New York Post that both men served at the same base in Kandahar during the Afghan war. A senior former Afghan military official confirmed their time at the base overlapped, though they held different roles. It remains unclear if the two ever met or interacted directly.
General Haibatullah Alizai, the last chief of staff for the Afghan Army, told the publication that Alokozay worked as a security guard at Strike Force 03 for six years and was described by former colleagues as polite. He also served with the Afghan National Police, amassing nearly two decades of service.
"Both positions could have provided targets of opportunity if he had wanted to carry out an attack – suggesting he may have been radicalized after migrating to the US around the same time as Lakanwal," Alizai stated, emphasising that Alokozay warrants deep investigation.
Journey to the United States
Both men entered the United States under Operation Allies Welcome, a programme established to grant parole status to Afghans who assisted US efforts, following the Taliban takeover in August 2021. The Biden administration launched the initiative to help those vulnerable to Taliban reprisals.
According to authorities, Lakanwal had enlisted in one of the CIA's Zero Units, groups tasked with raiding and capturing or killing Taliban, al-Qaeda, and Islamic State members. He later received asylum and resided in Bellingham, Washington.
The investigation into the DC shooting motive is ongoing. Authorities believe Lakanwal travelled from his Washington home specifically to carry out the attack, which was ended when a third guardsman shot him. Lakanwal, still recovering, appeared remotely for his first hearing to plead not guilty.
Meanwhile, Governor Patrick Morrisey provided an update on the injured guardsman, Andy Wolfe, stating his head wound is "slowly healing" and his family is optimistic about his progress, though he is expected to remain in acute care for several more weeks.
