US-Pakistan cooperation key to counter-terrorism efforts: State Dept

The arrest of Daesh-K terrorist Mohammad Sharifullah has highlighted the ongoing importance of US-Pakistan counter-terrorism cooperation, according to a statement from US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.

Sharifullah, also known as Jafar, was apprehended by Pakistani authorities and later extradited to the United States based on intelligence provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

In a press briefing on Thursday, Bruce expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s role in securing Sharifullah’s capture.

“We extend our gratitude to the Government of Pakistan for their partnership in bringing Mohammad Sharifullah to justice,” she said, emphasising that the arrest underscores the vital nature of continued collaboration in fighting terrorism.

Sharifullah is believed to have played a significant part in the 2021 suicide bombing at Kabul’s Abbey Gate during the US military’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, an attack that killed over 170 Afghans and 13 US servicemen.

The US Justice Department revealed that Sharifullah had confessed to scouting the airport’s route before the bomb went off, amid a crowd attempting to flee Kabul after the Taliban’s takeover.

Source: Screengrab via Express News

The arrest also illustrated the role of critical intelligence exchanged between the Trump administration and Pakistani officials, which helped lead to Sharifullah’s confession.

White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt commended the success of the operation, which she described as a testament to the strength of US-Pakistan cooperation.

President Donald Trump hailed Sharifullah's capture in a speech to Congress, calling him "the top terrorist responsible for that atrocity" and expressing thanks to Pakistan for its role.

In response, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged the recognition and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to further cooperation with the US in counter-terrorism efforts.

Sharifullah has been charged with providing material support to a foreign terrorist organisation resulting in death. He has appeared in court in Alexandria, though he has not entered a plea. His next court appearance is scheduled for Monday.

This joint effort highlights the continued importance of the partnership between the US and Pakistan in tackling terrorism and maintaining regional stability.