Afghan Immigrant Who Aided US Forces Fatally Shot in Washington

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Nasrat Ahmad Yar, 31, had dedicated most of his adult years to assisting the U.S. military in Afghanistan. He later migrated to America, aspiring to build a better life for his wife and four children. In the United States, he worked as a ride-share driver and sent money back to support his kin in Afghanistan. The tall, volleyball-loving Afghan man was a familiar face among the Afghan refugees residing in a Washington suburb.

However, tragedy struck on Monday night as he was shot and killed in Washington while out driving, likely driven by worries of paying rent. The authorities have yet to apprehend any suspects, but surveillance footage caught the sound of a gunshot and showed four boys or young men fleeing the scene. A reward of $25,000 has been offered for any information leading to an arrest.

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Rahim Amini, a fellow Afghan immigrant and a longtime friend, described Ahmad Yar as a kind and generous man always ready to help others. Ahmad Yar was also known for reminding his friends not to forget about those left behind in Afghanistan.

Jeramie Malone, an American who got to know Ahmed Yar through her volunteer work, also praised his generosity and kindness. She said Ahmad Yar always prioritized giving more than receiving. His only desire in America was to have an opportunity.

According to Amini, Ahmad Yar served the U.S. military for nearly a decade as an interpreter and other roles, aiming to help create a better future for the next Afghan generation. Although the U.S. Special Immigrant Visa program, launched in 2009, allowed Afghans who collaborated closely with the U.S. government to migrate to America, Ahmad Yar initially opted to stay in Afghanistan, feeling needed.

However, following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021 and the Taliban’s takeover, the situation became increasingly dangerous for Ahmad Yar, a former interpreter for the U.S. military. He managed to escape Afghanistan with his family, after several failed attempts, and flew to the United Arab Emirates before making their way to America.

Even while trying to keep a low profile, Nasrat would assist fellow Afghan refugees, welcoming them, offering his home, and providing food. According to Malone, despite his need for help, Nasrat was always assisting others.

Nasrat also used his transit time in the UAE to teach English to the children using writing supplies, highlighting his strong belief in the importance of education for his children.

Upon their arrival in the United States, the family initially moved to Pennsylvania but decided to relocate to Alexandria, Northern Virginia, following a robbery incident. Ahmad Yar was saddened to experience insecurity in a country he had migrated to for safety.

In Alexandria, Ahmad Yar and Amini worked as ride-share drivers and maintained close contact through a WhatsApp group chat, and participated in weekly volleyball games. Amini was deeply shocked when he found out about Ahmad Yar’s death.

Despite the increase in crime rates in Washington, with a 14% rise in homicides compared to last year, the Afghan community was shocked by Ahmad Yar’s death. Condolences and donations for his bereaved family have since been pouring into fundraisers on GoFundMe and Facebook.

Tariq Ahmadzai, the founder of Help Build Tomorrow, a group that aids Afghans in America and Afghanistan, expressed deep shock over the tragic incident. He emphasized the struggles Afghan immigrants face in America, with many men resorting to jobs at Lyft or Uber to make ends meet.

Ahmad Yar’s funeral is scheduled for Saturday. His wife, still in shock, shares Ahmad Yar’s dream for their children – a chance at education and a prosperous future in their new home, America.

Follow Santana on Twitter @ruskygal for updates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Afghan Immigrant Killed

Who was Nasrat Ahmad Yar and what was his background?

Nasrat Ahmad Yar was an Afghan man who had spent a significant part of his adult life working with the U.S. military in Afghanistan as an interpreter and in other roles. He migrated to America in search of a better life for his wife and four children.

How did Nasrat Ahmad Yar end up being shot and killed?

Nasrat Ahmad Yar was shot and killed while working as a ride-share driver in Washington. He was out driving, likely due to concerns about making rent, when the incident occurred. No suspects have been arrested yet, but the authorities have offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

What was Nasrat Ahmad Yar known for?

Nasrat Ahmad Yar was known for his generosity and willingness to help others. He had a strong desire to assist the people in his community and always reminded his friends not to forget about those left behind in Afghanistan.

What were the circumstances that led Nasrat Ahmad Yar to migrate to America?

After the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021 and the Taliban’s takeover, Nasrat Ahmad Yar, who had worked closely with the U.S. military, felt increasingly endangered. He managed to escape Afghanistan with his family, eventually arriving in the United Arab Emirates before making their way to the United States.

How has the community responded to Nasrat Ahmad Yar’s death?

Following his tragic death, the community has expressed condolences and offered donations to support his wife and children. Fundraisers have been set up on platforms like GoFundMe and Facebook to help the family during this difficult time.

What challenges do Afghan immigrants face in the United States?

Afghan immigrants face various challenges in the United States, including language barriers, difficulties finding employment, and navigating through government bureaucracy for immigration-related matters. Many Afghan men work as ride-share drivers or in similar jobs to support their families and make ends meet.