A key ISIS-K commander involved in the deadly 2021 Abbey Gate bombing that killed 13 American service members has been apprehended and extradited to face American justice.
Key Takeaways
- Mohammad Sharifullah, an ISIS-K commander, has been extradited to the U.S. for his role in the 2021 Abbey Gate bombing that killed 13 U.S. troops and approximately 170 Afghans.
- Sharifullah was captured in a joint CIA-Pakistani intelligence operation near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border and has allegedly admitted his involvement to FBI agents.
- President Trump announced the capture during a joint address to Congress, thanking Pakistani authorities for their cooperation in the operation.
- The suspect is also linked to a 2016 attack on the U.S. embassy in Kabul and potentially to the March 2024 Crocus City Hall attack in Moscow.
- Sharifullah is charged with conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization resulting in death.
Joint U.S.-Pakistani Operation Captures Key Terror Suspect
Mohammad Sharifullah, identified as a regional ISIS-K commander and one of the masterminds behind the 2021 Abbey Gate bombing in Kabul, has been apprehended and extradited to the United States. The terrorist was captured in a joint operation between Pakistani intelligence services and the CIA in the border region between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed his country’s involvement in the operation, which represents a significant breakthrough in bringing justice for the attack that claimed the lives of 13 American service members and approximately 170 Afghan civilians during the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
According to court documents, Sharifullah conducted surveillance for ISIS-K and helped prepare the suicide bomber who carried out the devastating attack at Abbey Gate. He allegedly admitted his involvement to FBI agents after being apprehended. The Justice Department, FBI, and CIA all played crucial roles in the successful extradition operation. Sharifullah is expected to arrive at Washington Dulles International Airport to face charges of conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization resulting in death.
Trump Announces Capture and Families’ Reactions
President Trump made the announcement about Sharifullah’s apprehension during a joint address to Congress, highlighting the international cooperation that made the capture possible. Trump specifically thanked the Pakistani government for their assistance in apprehending the terrorist. The president also revealed he had spoken with the families of the fallen service members about the development.
The president described an emotional conversation with the families: “I spoke to many of the parents and loved ones, and they’re all in our hearts tonight. I spoke to them on the phone. We had a big call. Every one of them called, and everybody was on the line, and they did nothing but cry with happiness. They were very happy, as happy as you can be under those circumstances. Their child, brother, sister, son, daughter was killed for no reason whatsoever.”
Extensive Terrorist Background and Identity Questions
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the extradition, stating: “tonight the FBI, DOJ, and CIA have extradited one of the terrorists responsible for the murder of the 13 American soldiers at Abbey Gate during the disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal. One step closer to justice for these American heroes and their families.” Beyond his involvement in the Abbey Gate bombing, Sharifullah is also linked to a June 2016 suicide bombing at the U.S. embassy in Kabul that killed 10 embassy guards and may be connected to the March 2024 attack on Crocus City Hall in Moscow that killed approximately 130 people.
Some confusion remains regarding Sharifullah’s identity, however.. A senior Taliban official claimed, “Right now, we have two Tajik nationals named Sharifullah in … custody. They have been sentenced to long-term imprisonment and were involved in the 2021 Abbey Gate bombing … and others attacks. We are not aware of any Afghan national named Muhammad Sharifullah. The only individuals with that name in Kabul are the two Tajikistani nationals in our custody.”
The Pentagon had previously identified the Abbey Gate suicide bomber as Abdul Rahman al-Logari, an ISIS-K operative. Court documents indicate Sharifullah claimed to have been released from an Afghan prison by the Taliban shortly before the Abbey Gate attack. He allegedly conducted surveillance and helped prepare the suicide bomber “so that he could prepare the suicide bomber and transport him to the target area” to carry out the attack with a “body worn improvised explosive device.”
Aftermath of the Afghanistan Withdrawal
The Abbey Gate bombing occurred during the chaotic final days of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, which left hundreds of Americans and thousands of Afghan allies behind. The Department of Defense review of the incident stated the bombing “could not have been preventable at the tactical level.” In the immediate aftermath of the attack, President Biden had vowed, “We will not forgive. We will not forget. We will hunt you down and make you pay.”
The Taliban has re-established control across Afghanistan since the U.S. withdrawal, reportedly providing shelter to al-Qaeda and other terrorist organizations. Intelligence reports indicate that the threat from ISIS-K has increased significantly since the Taliban takeover. The apprehension of Sharifullah represents a significant step in bringing accountability for one of the deadliest attacks on U.S. forces in recent years.
Sources:
- Mohammad Sharifullah, man allegedly behind Abbey Gate Kabul airport bombing, being extradited to U.S.
- Abbey Gate terror suspect charged and extradited to the US
- Trump announces extradition of Afghan bombing conspirator, delivering accountability for families
