India, Nov. 29 -- The US Department of State has paused the issuance of visas to all individuals travelling on Afghan passports.

"The Department of State has IMMEDIATELY paused visa issuance for individuals traveling on Afghan passports," the department said in a post on X. "The Department is taking all necessary steps to protect U.S. national security and public safety."

Secretary of State Marco Rubio also confirmed the development in a post on X, adding that the United States has no higher priority than protecting its country and people.

The development comes days after an Afghan national fatally shot a National Guard member near the White House and injured another.

The deceased, Sarah Beckstrom (20), along with fellow National Guar...