Washington, DC – President Donald Trump announced the capture of a key terrorist linked to the 2021 Kabul airport bombing during a joint address to Congress. Mohammad Sharifullah, a suspect involved in the attack that claimed the lives of 13 US service members and over 170 Afghan civilians, has been apprehended and is being transported to the United States for prosecution. Trump praised Pakistan for its role in the operation, acknowledging the country’s assistance in arresting the alleged terrorist.
Sharifullah, also known as “Jafar,” has been charged with providing material support for terrorism and conspiring to aid a designated foreign terrorist organization resulting in casualties. FBI agents interviewed him, revealing his affiliation with ISIS-K and his involvement in planning and executing multiple lethal attacks. Court documents show that Sharifullah was tasked with scouting a route near the Kabul airport for an attacker and facilitating the 2021 Abbey Gate bombing.
In response to Sharifullah’s arrest, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude to Trump for recognizing Pakistan’s efforts in counterterrorism. He affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to collaborating with the United States to maintain regional peace and stability. The indictment against Sharifullah also outlines his alleged participation in previous attacks, including the provision of weapons training to gunmen involved in a nightclub assault in Moscow.
Trump criticized President Joe Biden’s handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal during his speech, emphasizing the families of the slain service members he spoke with before addressing Congress. The announcement of Sharifullah’s arrest was well-received by senior members of the administration, with FBI Director Kash Patel commending the joint efforts of the FBI, DOJ, and CIA in extraditing the suspected terrorist. The move is seen as a significant step towards achieving justice for the American soldiers who lost their lives in the Abbey Gate bombing.
Overall, the capture of Mohammad Sharifullah marks a crucial development in the fight against terrorism and underscores the ongoing collaboration between the United States and its allies in combating extremist threats globally. The apprehension of individuals involved in orchestrating such heinous acts is essential in safeguarding national security and holding accountable those responsible for perpetuating violence and chaos.
