On March 4, 2025, during a joint session of Congress, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the capture of Muhammad Sharifullah, a senior ISIS-K commander implicated in the 2021 Kabul airport bombing that resulted in the deaths of 13 U.S. service members and approximately 170 Afghan civilians. President Trump emphasized that Sharifullah is en route to the United States to face justice and expressed gratitude towards Pakistan for its assistance in the operation, stating, “I want to thank especially the government of Pakistan for helping arrest this monster.”
The operation was a collaborative effort between the CIA and Pakistani intelligence services, leading to Sharifullah’s apprehension near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. This cooperation marks a significant moment, especially considering past tensions between the two nations’ intelligence agencies.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed Sharifullah’s arrest, highlighting it as a pivotal step toward justice for the victims of the Abbey Gate bombing. Sharifullah has reportedly confessed to his involvement in the attack, though specific charges have yet to be disclosed.
This development fulfills President Trump’s commitment to hold accountable those responsible for the tragic events during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. It also underscores the importance of international collaboration in combating terrorism and bringing perpetrators to justice.
