Rahmanullah Lakanwal's Service to the U.S. in Afghanistan

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, served in elite Afghan counterterrorism forces that collaborated closely with U.S. agencies, particularly the CIA, during the U.S. war in Afghanistan. His contributions were part of broader efforts to combat the Taliban and other insurgents, which directly supported U.S. military objectives. Below is a summary of his key roles and impacts, based on confirmed reports from U.S. officials and organizations aiding Afghan allies.

Key Roles and Contributions

• Elite Counterterrorism Operations: Lakanwal was a member of a specialized Afghan paramilitary unit known as a "Zero Unit," operating in Taliban strongholds like Kandahar and southern provinces. These units conducted high-risk reconnaissance missions—often at night—to locate high-level Taliban commanders and targets. His squad would scout and confirm positions, enabling U.S.-backed forces to conduct capture-or-kill raids. This work "took malignant actors off the battlefield and saved American lives," according to Andrew Sullivan, executive director of No One Left Behind, a nonprofit supporting U.S. Afghan allies. He served for approximately 10 years alongside U.S. Special Forces, including logistics coordination for supply runs in Helmand Province.

• Collaboration with CIA and U.S. Partner Forces: Lakanwal worked directly with CIA-backed military units and the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed Lakanwal's involvement as a trusted member of partner forces in Kandahar, where he supported counterterrorism efforts until shortly after the 2021 U.S. withdrawal. His unit required extreme vetting, including multiple background checks, due to the sensitive nature of operations.

• Role in the 2021 Evacuation: As the Taliban advanced, Lakanwal's Zero Unit played a pivotal role in securing Kabul International Airport during the chaotic U.S. withdrawal. They helped guard U.S. forces and facilitated the evacuation of thousands of Americans and Afghan allies, preventing Taliban interference and ensuring safe exits. The CIA oversaw the evacuation of Lakanwal and nearly 10,000 unit members, recognizing their prior service.

Recognition and Resettlement

Lakanwal's contributions qualified him for U.S. resettlement under Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden-era program for Afghans who risked their lives aiding U.S. forces. He entered the U.S. in September 2021 with his wife and five children, underwent further vetting, and was granted asylum in April 2025 under the Trump administration. The CIA provided classified endorsements to support his immigration, affirming his value as an ally. Nonprofits like AfghanEvac and No One Left Behind assisted his transition, highlighting how such units were targeted by the Taliban for their anti-insurgent work.Lakanwal's service exemplifies the high-stakes partnership between Afghan forces and the U.S., though reports note he later faced personal struggles like employment issues and isolation in the U.S., unrelated to his wartime contributions. His story underscores the sacrifices of Afghan allies who bolstered U.S. operations but often encountered challenges post-relocation. 17GEN4.com