Trump Announces Capture, Extradition of Prime Suspect in Kabul Airport Bombing

Source: YouTube

President Donald Trump announced that the United States has apprehended and is transporting Mohammad Sharifullah, a key suspect in the 2021 Kabul airport bombing that killed 13 U.S. service members and at least 170 Afghan civilians. The bombing, which took place at Abbey Gate during the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, remains one of the deadliest attacks of the war. The arrest, conducted with Pakistan’s assistance, marks a significant step toward holding the bombing perpetrators accountable.

Trump Declares Justice for the Abbey Gate Victims

During his address to Congress, Trump confirmed that Sharifullah is being extradited to face trial in the U.S. He described the arrest as a major victory, thanking Pakistan for aiding in the operation. According to Trump, he spoke with the families of the 13 fallen service members before his speech. “They did nothing but cry with happiness,” he said, emphasizing the emotional weight of this development.

Sharifullah, who was allegedly involved in the Kabul airport bombing’s planning, is charged with providing and conspiring to provide material support to terrorism. His capture comes after years of intelligence operations, including cooperation between the CIA, FBI, and Pakistani security forces.

The Suspect’s Role in the Kabul Airport Bombing

Court documents indicate that Sharifullah had long-standing ties to ISIS-K, the terror group behind the attack. He was recruited in 2016 and later imprisoned but was released two weeks before the bombing. Intelligence reports claim he scouted the attack route, ensuring the bomber could bypass security checkpoints at Hamid Karzai International Airport.

Sharifullah is also suspected of involvement in other terrorist attacks. Authorities say he helped plan a 2016 attack on Kabul’s embassy guards and provided weapons training to militants involved in a 2024 Moscow nightclub shooting. His role in multiple acts of terrorism underscores his significance as a high-value target.

How Pakistan Helped Capture Sharifullah

Pakistan played a key role in Sharifullah’s capture. Acting on CIA intelligence, Pakistani forces detained him near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. Following the arrest, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued a statement reaffirming the country’s commitment to counterterrorism efforts and cooperation with the U.S.

Trump and his national security team praised Pakistan’s involvement. This collaboration highlights the continued reliance on international partnerships to combat ISIS-K and other extremist threats.

Political Reactions and Biden’s Afghanistan Withdrawal

Trump used the announcement to criticize President Joe Biden’s handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal, calling it an act of “incompetence.” He argued that the withdrawal created a power vacuum that emboldened terror groups like ISIS-K, leading to the tragic bombing at Abbey Gate.

Republican lawmakers echoed Trump’s sentiments, emphasizing that the withdrawal left U.S. personnel and Afghan allies vulnerable. Meanwhile, Democratic leaders acknowledged the significance of Sharifullah’s capture but maintained that Biden’s decision to leave Afghanistan was necessary to end America’s longest war.

Next Steps for Sharifullah’s Trial

Sharifullah has been charged in Virginia’s Eastern District Court under U.S. anti-terrorism laws. Upon arrival, he will face prosecution for providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, a charge that could result in a life sentence if convicted. The indictment also details his direct role in multiple terrorist operations, increasing the likelihood of a harsh penalty.

The FBI, CIA, and Department of Justice have vowed to ensure swift justice. Officials note that the trial will bring long-awaited accountability for the families of the Kabul airport bombing victims.

Does the capture of the Kabul airport bombing suspect mark a turning point in the fight against ISIS-K? Tell us what you think!

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