Sharifullah, Kabul airport bombing suspect, appears in US court
Photo from X-FBI Director
Mohammad Sharifullah, a suspect in the suicide bombing at Kabul airport during the chaotic US withdrawal in 2021, appeared in a US federal court on March 5, 2025, after being captured in Pakistan.
The bombing, which killed 13 US service members and approximately 170 Afghan civilians, has led to widespread condemnation and criticism of the Biden administration’s handling of the US exit from Afghanistan.
Sharifullah, also known as Jafar, is charged with providing material support to a foreign terrorist organisation, leading to death. During his first hearing before Judge William Porter, Sharifullah was informed that if convicted, he could face life imprisonment.
Due to his limited English proficiency, Sharifullah used a Dari translator to understand the proceedings.
According to the FBI affidavit, Sharifullah admitted to his role in the August 26, 2021, attack, where he helped guide the suicide bomber to the airport and informed other Daesh-K militants about the cleared path for the attack.
PHOTO: Mohammad Sharifullah, alleged co-conspirator in the murder of American soldiers at Abbey Gate in Afghanistan, apprehended and extradited last night — wheels down to face American justice.
Thank you to our great partners @AGPamBondi, @JohnRatcliffe, @DNIGabbard, and brave… pic.twitter.com/uZnKYz5waVSharifullah, who joined Daesh-K in 2016, confessed to aiding in several other attacks orchestrated by the group.
The attack at Kabul airport occurred amid the final days of the US military's withdrawal. The bombing occurred at Abbey Gate, where crowds had gathered to flee the Taliban regime.
However, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid distanced Afghanistan from the matter, claiming that the Daesh-K figures had taken refuge in Pakistan.
Sharifullah's case continues to develop, and his next court appearance is scheduled for March 10, 2025. The US government has vowed to bring all individuals responsible for the bombing to justice.
Pakistan's intelligence agencies had recently captured senior Daesh commander, Mohammad Sharifullah during a special operation.
The arrest was made following a lead from US intelligence, and Sharifullah, a key member of Daesh, was apprehended near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
Recognised as a high-value target by the United States, Sharifullah was identified as the mastermind behind the Kabul attack, one of the deadliest moments of the US withdrawal.
In response to this success, US President Donald Trump expressed his gratitude towards Pakistan, acknowledging the country’s crucial role in counterterrorism cooperation.
During a speech to Congress, Trump praised Pakistan for its efforts and underscored the significance of Sharifullah’s capture. The arrest is seen as a critical achievement in the fight against Daesh and a testament to the growing collaboration between the two nations in combating terrorism.
Speaking before a joint session of Congress, Trump made the announcement, stating: “Three and a half years ago, a [Daesh] terrorist killed 13 American service members and countless others in the Abbey Gate bombing. Tonight, I am pleased to announce that we have just apprehended the top terrorist responsible for that atrocity. And he is right now on his way here to face the swift sword of American justice.”
After revealing the arrest, Trump took a moment to thank the Pakistani government for its cooperation in the operation.
“I want to thank, especially, the Pakistani government for helping arrest this monster,” Trump said. “This was a very momentous day for the 13 families I got to know very well, whose children were murdered on that fateful day.”
In turn, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan reiterated his country’s commitment to regional peace and stability, emphasizing the longstanding partnership with the United States in the fight against terrorism.
On social media, Sharif thanked Trump for recognizing Pakistan’s role in the global counterterrorism effort, particularly in relation to Afghanistan. He highlighted Pakistan’s history of counterterrorism work, noting the sacrifices made by over 80,000 soldiers and civilians in combating extremist forces.
PM Shehbaz further stressed that Pakistan’s leadership and people remain steadfast in their resolve to eliminate terrorism and take every possible measure towards achieving this goal. He reiterated that Pakistan will continue to work closely with the US to foster peace and stability in the region.