US Military
KARACHI: The United States Central Command (US Centcom) has expressed its gratitude to Pakistan for its assistance in capturing Mohammad Sharifullah, the main suspect behind the 2021 attack on Kabul Airport in Afghanistan.
In an official statement, US Centcom emphasized that Pakistan and the United States share a strong commitment to combating terrorism and working together to bring perpetrators to justice.
In a post shared on its official Urdu-language handle on X, US Centcom acknowledged Pakistan’s role in the arrest of Sharifullah, who was the key suspect in the deadly attack at the Abbey Gate of Kabul Airport. “We are grateful to Pakistan for its cooperation in the arrest of Sharifullah, the main suspect in the attack on the Abbey Gate of Kabul Airport in Afghanistan, and for its cooperation with the United States in bringing the suspect to justice,” the statement read.
US Centcom, which is a unified combatant command of the US military overseeing military operations, security cooperation, and strategic interests in the Middle East, Central Asia, and parts of South Asia, highlighted the significance of the arrest. The command also reminded that former US President Donald Trump had publicly announced the arrest of the suspect during his address to a joint session of Congress.
According to reports from news agencies, Mohammad Sharifullah, also known as Jafar, was affiliated with Daesh-Khorasan and was captured by Pakistani authorities based on intelligence provided by the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Sharifullah was reportedly involved in the suicide attack at Kabul Airport in August 2021, which resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 170 Afghan civilians and 13 US troops. Following his capture, he reportedly admitted to scouting the route to the airport to facilitate the attack.
The former US president, while announcing the arrest, extended his gratitude to Pakistan for its role in capturing Sharifullah. Trump described the militant as a “monster” and emphasized that the arrest was a significant moment for the families affected by the attack.
Furthermore, US Centcom’s statement underscored the broader cooperation between Islamabad and Washington in counterterrorism efforts. It reaffirmed that both countries have a mutual interest in fighting terrorism and ensuring regional stability.
In addition to his role in the Kabul Airport attack, Sharifullah has also been linked to other terrorist activities. According to the US Justice Department, he has confessed to involvement in several other attacks, including the March 2024 attack on Moscow’s Crocus City Hall. In his confession, he admitted to providing instructions via video on how to use AK-style rifles and other weapons to would-be attackers.
Following his arrest, Sharifullah was extradited and has since been presented before a court in Virginia, where legal proceedings against him are currently underway. His apprehension marks a crucial development in the ongoing efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and prevent future attacks.
