REPORTS SUGGEST THE SUSPECT HAD TALIBAN LINKS, BUT
FEDERAL AGENCIES HAVE NOT CONFIRMED ANY TERROR CONNECTION
President Trump is considering using MOABs against terrorist infrastructure in Afghanistan following a shooting near the White House that injured two National Guard members. Alleged Taliban links to the suspect remain unconfirmed.
President Donald Trump is evaluating whether to authorize the use of GBU-43B MOABs — the U.S. military’s largest conventional bomb — against militant infrastructure in Afghanistan after an Afghan national allegedly linked to the Taliban shot two National Guard soldiers in Washington, D.C. earlier this week, according to early reports.
White House advisers say no final decision has been made. Officials emphasize that the Pentagon is assessing a range of response options as investigators continue reviewing the background of the suspect, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal. While some reports claim he had past affiliations with Taliban networks, federal agencies have not publicly confirmed any operational or ideological ties.
National security analysts note that the use of a MOAB is rare and typically reserved for high-value, deeply fortified targets. The last publicly known deployment occurred in 2017 against ISIS-K positions in eastern Afghanistan. Any renewed use would carry major geopolitical implications.
The attack near the White House has triggered intense scrutiny, prompting coordinated reviews by DHS, the FBI, and the Pentagon. The National Guard soldiers remain hospitalized, and officials have not released updates on their conditions as the investigation continues.
Critics warn that a large-scale military response before establishing verified links could escalate tensions unnecessarily. Supporters of the MOAB option argue the U.S. must demonstrate strength and deter attacks on American soil, especially if the suspect’s background reveals connections to foreign extremist networks.
The White House is expected to issue additional statements once federal agencies complete background verification and the Pentagon finalizes its assessment of potential targets.
