Nasrat Ahmad Yar, a 31-year-old father of four, who worked as an interpreter for U.S. special forces in Afghanistan, was tragically killed while working as a rideshare driver in Washington, D.C. early this week. Ahmad Yar had fled Afghanistan following the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the country, seeking safety for himself and his family in the United States. The Metropolitan Police Department is currently investigating the incident and searching for suspects.
On July 3, shortly after midnight, officers responded to a call about an unconscious person and discovered Ahmad Yar inside a vehicle with at least one gunshot wound. Despite efforts to save his life, he was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. Relatives of Ahmad Yar shared with NBC Washington that he had dedicated a decade of his life working alongside U.S. special forces in Afghanistan, putting his life at risk to support American soldiers.
His cousin Mohammad Ahmadi expressed the deep commitment and bravery Ahmad Yar demonstrated during his service.
"He was alongside shoulder-to-shoulder helping American soldiers," his cousin said.
After the U.S. forces left Afghanistan in 2021, Ahmad Yar escaped and eventually made his way to the United States, settling in Alexandria, Virginia.
Ahmad Yar initially lived in Philadelphia but later relocated to Northern Virginia due to safety concerns. His ultimate goal was to provide a secure future for his children, ensuring they would receive a good education and have ample opportunities. To support his family, Ahmad Yar and his best friend, Rahim Amini, who was also an interpreter, became rideshare drivers in the U.S.
Jeramie Malone, who assists Afghan special visa holders with resettlement, explained that Ahmad Yar was working late hours on July 3 to earn extra money to pay his rent. The exact circumstances leading to the shooting remain unclear. However, surveillance footage shared by the police shows four individuals fleeing the scene. Authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward, offering a $25,000 reward for details leading to an arrest and conviction.
The devastating loss has left Ahmad Yar's family and community in shock. Fundraisers have been launched to support his widow and four children, the youngest being just 15 months old and the oldest 13. One of these initiatives, organized by Jeramie Malone, had already raised close to $60,000 as of July 7.
A funeral service for Nasrat Ahmad Yar is scheduled to take place on July 8 at the All Muslim Association of America Cemetery in Fredericksburg, where he will be laid to rest. His sacrifice and dedication to supporting U.S. forces in Afghanistan will be remembered, while his untimely death highlights the challenges faced by many interpreters seeking safety abroad.
As the investigation into Nasrat Ahmad Yar's killing continues, his family and community mourn the loss of a brave individual who risked his life to support the mission of U.S. special forces in Afghanistan.
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