Operation Allies Welcome Under Scrutiny After White House Shooting: Suspect Linked to Afghan Zero Units
The federal initiative known as Operation Allies Welcome has once again come under intense scrutiny following the revelation that Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the individual accused of critically injuring two National Guard soldiers near the White House, entered the United States through this program. Launched during President Joe Biden's administration, Operation Allies Welcome was established to assist Afghans fleeing the Taliban's resurgence after the fall of Kabul in August 2021.
Recent reports, notably from the New York Post, suggest the system was plagued with significant systemic errors, potentially allowing individuals to enter the U.S. with insufficient vetting or oversight. This raises serious questions about the integrity and effectiveness of the resettlement process.
Lakanwal's Journey to the U.S. and Troubling Background Links
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, residing in Washington state, was processed into the country via Operation Allies Welcome. After applying for asylum in December last year, his request was approved in April. While he reportedly had no prior criminal record, his background became a focal point when an ID badge, widely circulated online, appeared to connect him to Afghanistan's elite "Zero Units." These units were specialized forces, rigorously trained and equipped by the CIA.
The badge specifically referenced the "Kandahar Strike Force," also known as the 03 Unit, and "Firebase Gecko," a base once utilized by U.S. intelligence in Kandahar. Former CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed that Lakanwal had indeed previously collaborated "with the US Government, including CIA, as a member of a partner force in Kandahar." A former high-ranking Afghan general corroborated this to CBS News, describing the 03 Unit as "the most active and professional forces, trained and equipped by the CIA," operating entirely under the agency's command. Though highly trusted by U.S. agencies, these units were paradoxically feared within Afghanistan due to allegations of extrajudicial killings during controversial night raids.
Systemic Flaws within Operation Allies Welcome
A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Inspector General report, released last year, highlighted alarming deficiencies within the program. The review uncovered widespread data errors in the systems used to record arriving Afghans. Issues included individuals being assigned multiple identification numbers or having their names misspelled, which significantly hampered efforts to track their "biographic or criminal history data."
The report underscored the critical need for "accurate information on individuals to ensure the integrity of the adjudication and enforcement processes," warning that data inaccuracies could impede officials' ability to identify individuals "quickly and accurately." Furthermore, a substantial oversight was identified regarding the monitoring of parole expirations for OAW parolees. The report explicitly stated, "We found DHS does not have a process to monitor parole expiration for individual OAW parolees and has not designated a component to monitor their parole expiration." Officials from Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) each disclaimed responsibility, creating a bureaucratic void.
The Program's Genesis and Post-Attack Implications
Operation Allies Welcome was conceived to facilitate the resettlement of Afghans who had assisted the U.S. during the war and faced severe threats under Taliban rule. The initiative made approximately 90,000 Afghans eligible for Special Immigration Visas, offering vital support for processing and resettlement. Many members of the CIA-linked Zero Units were prioritized for evacuation, recognized as prime targets for Taliban retribution.
In the aftermath of the White House shooting, former President Trump vowed that his administration would "re-examine" all Afghans who entered the country during President Biden’s tenure. The current White House has yet to issue an official comment on the Inspector General's report findings. Similarly, the Taliban government has remained silent concerning Lakanwal’s arrest. Meanwhile, Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that both injured National Guard soldiers underwent successful surgery, highlighting the severe nature of the incident.
