US Captures ‘Top Terrorist’ behind 2021 Kabul Airport bombing

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Wednesday, March 5th, 2025

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Former President Donald Trump announced that the US has apprehended Mohammad Sharifullah, a key figure in the 2021 Kabul airport bombing that killed 13 US service members and at least 170 Afghan civilians. Sharifullah was charged with providing and conspiring to provide material support to terrorism and arrived in the US on Wednesday, according to sources.
“Tonight, I am pleased to announce that we have just apprehended the top terrorist responsible for that atrocity, and he is on his way here to face the swift sword of American justice,” Trump said during his joint address to Congress.
Pakistan played a crucial role in the arrest, acting on CIA intelligence. Trump thanked Pakistan for its cooperation, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged the US for recognizing Islamabad’s counterterrorism efforts. Sharif confirmed that Pakistani forces apprehended Sharifullah in a border operation and pledged continued cooperation for regional stability.
Trump also used the moment to criticize President Joe Biden’s handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal. He claimed to have spoken to the families of the fallen soldiers before his speech, stating, “They did nothing but cry with happiness.”
According to an indictment unsealed Tuesday, Sharifullah was recruited by ISIS-K in 2016 and was in prison from 2019 until two weeks before the Abbey Gate attack. He admitted to assisting ISIS-K with multiple operations, including scouting a safe route for the suicide bomber. Court documents also link him to past attacks in Kabul and Moscow.
Senior US officials welcomed the arrest. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the extradition, stating, “One step closer to justice for these American heroes and their families.”
The case marks a significant step in counterterrorism efforts as the US continues to pursue those responsible for attacks on its forces.