The United States has reaffirmed the significance of its counter-terrorism collaboration with Pakistan following the arrest of Daesh-K militant Mohammad Sharifullah. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce emphasized on Thursday that the partnership between the two nations remains critical in combating global terrorism.
Sharifullah, also known as Jafar, was apprehended by Pakistani authorities and later extradited to the United States. “We extend our gratitude to the Government of Pakistan for their cooperation in bringing Mohammad Sharifullah to justice,” Bruce stated during a press briefing in Washington. She further underscored that both countries share a common interest in eliminating terrorism, adding that “the arrest of this terrorist illustrates the ongoing importance of US-Pakistan counterterrorism cooperation.”
Involvement in 2021 Kabul Airport Attack
Sharifullah is accused of playing a key role in the deadly suicide bombing outside Kabul airport in August 2021, which occurred amid the chaotic US military withdrawal from Afghanistan. According to the US Justice Department, he helped plan the attack by scouting out a secure route to the airport for the suicide bomber. The explosion at Abbey Gate killed at least 170 Afghans and 13 US service members.
Following his arrest, Sharifullah appeared in a federal court in Alexandria, where he did not enter a plea. He remains in custody ahead of his next court appearance scheduled for Monday.
US and Pakistani Leaders React
Former US President Donald Trump publicly announced Sharifullah’s arrest in a congressional address, describing him as “the top terrorist responsible for that atrocity.” He also thanked Pakistan for its role in capturing him.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif responded by expressing appreciation for Trump’s recognition of Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts. In a post on X, he reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to continued cooperation with the United States in combating terrorism.
US Shared Intelligence with Pakistan
According to an affidavit from the US Justice Department, Daesh-K operatives provided Sharifullah with a cellphone and SIM card to assess security conditions at Kabul airport. After confirming a clear route, he was instructed to leave the area before the attack took place. The affidavit further states that Sharifullah later recognized the suicide bomber as a fellow Daesh-K member he had encountered in prison.
He now faces charges of “providing and conspiring to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization resulting in death.”
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt revealed that the Trump administration shared critical intelligence with Pakistani authorities, which played a key role in securing Sharifullah’s confession. She noted that his admission of guilt before Pakistani officials highlights the effectiveness of the two nations’ collaboration in counter-terrorism operations.
“The successful outcome of this case is a testament to the strong US-Pakistan partnership in fighting terrorism and promoting regional security,” Leavitt added. She concluded by stating that “President Trump has brought justice to the families of thirteen American heroes.”
