Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a former member of a CIA-directed Afghan unit known as the Zero Units, is accused of a violent attack that resulted in the death of one National Guard member and serious injury to another. Lakanwal, who had previously participated in missions against the Taliban, was granted asylum in the U.S. after extensive vetting, yet he and many others from his unit now face legal uncertainty and mental health challenges due to their status in the country.

The Zero Units, also referred to as National Strike Units, were composed of Afghans who underwent rigorous vetting processes and were prioritized for evacuation following the Taliban's takeover in 2021. Despite their service, thousands of these veterans have been left without work permits, leading to struggles in providing for their families. Advocates for these veterans have expressed concern that the lack of legal resolution is contributing to mental health crises within the community.

Lakanwal's case has drawn attention to the broader issue of Afghan veterans' legal status in the U.S. Following the shooting incident, political figures, including former President Donald Trump, have called for a review of Afghan admissions, suggesting that the Biden administration's policies may have allowed unvetted individuals into the country. However, former intelligence officials have noted that Lakanwal would have undergone multiple vetting processes before and after his arrival in the U.S.

The Central Intelligence Agency facilitated the evacuation of Lakanwal and nearly 10,000 members of the Zero Units during the U.S. military withdrawal. Despite this, many veterans continue to face legal limbo, with approximately 3,000 still lacking work permits as of July. The Afghan Adjustment Act, proposed bipartisan legislation aimed at resolving the legal status of these veterans, has not been passed by Congress, leaving many in a precarious situation.

Human rights organizations have previously raised concerns about the conduct of the Zero Units, alleging possible war crimes, although former members and intelligence officials dispute these claims, asserting that operations were conducted in accordance with the laws of armed conflict. The ongoing challenges faced by these veterans highlight the complexities of U.S. foreign policy and its implications for those who served alongside American forces.