President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday evening that the US had captured a “top terrorist” involved in the 2021 bombing at Kabul airport’s Abbey Gate in Afghanistan. This attack killed 13 US service members and at least 170 Afghan civilians
Who is Sharifullah?
Mohammad Sharifullah, also known as “Jafar,” was charged in the US for providing material support to a terrorist organization, resulting in death. Acoording to US Department of Justice , he was recruited by ISIS-K (a branch of ISIS) in 2016 and admitted to supporting and conducting activities for the group.
He was in prison from 2019 until just two weeks before the Abbey Gate attack. After his release, ISIS members contacted him to help plan the attack.
Sharifullah scouted a route near the Kabul airport, checking for security checkpoints, and informed ISIS-K that the route was clear.
He later recognized the bomber as someone he knew from prison. The indictment also links him to other attacks, including a 2016 embassy attack in Kabul and a 2023 nightclub attack in Moscow.
Sharifullah’s Court Appearance
Sharifullah appeared in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, on Wednesday.
He wore a blue uniform and a black facemask and was assisted by a Dari language interpreter. A magistrate judge ordered him to remain detained until his next hearing on Monday CNN reports .
He has not yet entered a plea, and his public defender declined to comment on the charges.
The Arrest and Gratitude to Pakistan
Pakistan played a key role in Sharifullah’s arrest. Acting on CIA intelligence, Pakistan’s security forces captured him in a successful operation near the Pakistan-Afghan border in Balochistan . President Trump thanked Pakistan for helping to arrest “this monster.”
In response, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked Trump for recognizing Pakistan’s efforts in counterterrorism and pledged to continue working with the US for regional peace and stability.
We thank US President Donald Trump for acknowledging and appreciating Pakistan’s role and support in counter terrorism efforts across the region, in the context of Pakistan Security Forces’ recent apprehension of ISKP’s top tier operational commander Shareefullah, who is an…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) March 5, 2025
The arrest of Sharifullah is a significant step toward justice for the victims of the Abbey Gate attack. FBI Director Kash Patel praised the efforts of the FBI, DOJ, and CIA in extraditing Sharifullah, calling it a step closer to justice for the American heroes and their families.
The collaboration between the US and Pakistan highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating terrorism.
