The Pakistani government arrested Mohammad Sharifullah, also known as Jafar, a principal suspect in the 2021 Kabul airport suicide bombing, in Pakistan and subsequently handed him over to the United States.
Mohammad Sharifullah charged with supporting Daesh-K in the deadly attack that claimed 13 US service members and 170 Afghans, Sharifullah’s capture marks a pivotal moment in the Kabul Airport Bombing saga, spotlighted by President Donald Trump’s praise for Pakistan’s role.
Pakistan’s intelligence nabbed Sharifullah near the Afghan border, acting on US intel, before his extradition. In his first hearing before Judge William Porter, aided by a Dari translator, the 32-year-old learned he could face life in prison if convicted.
An FBI affidavit reveals Sharifullah confessed to guiding the bomber to Abbey Gate on August 26, 2021, and clearing the path for Daesh-K militants—a role he played since joining the group in 2016. His next court date is March 10.
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/uZnKYz5waV
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) March 5, 2025Trump and Pakistan Tout Teamwork
Trump hailed the arrest in a marathon congressional speech, calling Sharifullah “the top terrorist” behind the Abbey Gate carnage. “I thank Pakistan for helping nab this monster,” he said, honoring the 13 US families he’s bonded with.
Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif fired back on social media, thanking Trump for the nod and touting 80,000+ sacrifices in their anti-terror fight. “We’ll keep partnering with the US for peace,” Sharif pledged, framing the Kabul Airport Bombing arrest as a shared win.
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, 2025Read: Trump Lauds Pakistan for Apprehending Kabul Airport Bombing Suspect
The bombing, amid the chaotic 2021 US Afghan exit, drew global ire and flak for Biden’s withdrawal handling. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid deflected blame, pinning Daesh-K’s refuge on Pakistan. Sharifullah’s court debut fuels the US vow to hunt all culprits, spotlighting a high-stakes counterterrorism coup.
