Karachi, March 9, 2025: The United States Central Command (US Centcom) has expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its role in the arrest of Mohammad Sharifullah, the prime suspect in the 2021 Kabul Airport attack, emphasizing the shared commitment of both nations in combating terrorism.
“We are grateful to Pakistan for its cooperation in the arrest of Sharifullah, the main suspect in the Abbey Gate attack at Kabul Airport, and for its collaboration with the United States in bringing the perpetrator to justice,” read a statement on US Centcom’s Urdu-language handle on X.
The statement comes after former US President Donald Trump acknowledged Pakistan’s assistance during a joint session of Congress, calling the arrest a significant development.
Sharifullah, also known as Jafar, is an operative of Daesh-Khorasan and was apprehended in Pakistan based on intelligence provided by the CIA, according to media reports. He is accused of orchestrating the suicide bombing that claimed the lives of at least 170 Afghans and 13 US service members during the chaotic evacuation from Kabul in 2021. Reports indicate that he confessed to surveying routes leading to the airport ahead of the attack.
Following his capture, the suspect was extradited to the United States and has since appeared before a Virginia court. The US Department of Justice stated that he has admitted involvement in multiple attacks, including the March 2024 Moscow Crocus City Hall assault. In that incident, he allegedly provided video instructions on the use of AK-style rifles and other weapons to would-be attackers.
US Centcom reiterated that Islamabad and Washington share a “common interest in the fight against terrorism,” highlighting ongoing security cooperation between the two nations.
