Washington, March 7, 2025: The United States has hailed Pakistan’s cooperation in counterterrorism efforts following the arrest and extradition of Daesh-K militant Mohammad Sharifullah, who is accused of involvement in the 2021 Kabul airport bombing.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, in a press briefing Thursday, acknowledged Pakistan’s vital role in counterterrorism operations, stating: “We extend our gratitude to the Government of Pakistan for their partnership in bringing Mohammad Sharifullah to justice.”
She emphasized that US-Pakistan counterterrorism cooperation remains critically important, adding, “The arrest of this terrorist highlights our shared commitment to fighting terrorism.”
According to the US Justice Department, Sharifullah—also known as Jafar—allegedly scouted the route for the suicide bomber who detonated his device at Kabul’s Abbey Gate during the chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The blast killed 170 Afghans and 13 US service members. The Justice Department affidavit states that Sharifullah later recognized the suicide bomber as a Daesh-K operative he had known in prison.
Sharifullah has been charged with providing and conspiring to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization resulting in death. He appeared in a US court in Alexandria, where he did not enter a plea. His next hearing is scheduled for Monday, and he remains in custody.
President Donald Trump announced Sharifullah’s capture during an address to Congress on Tuesday, describing him as “the top terrorist responsible for that atrocity”. He thanked Pakistan for its role in the arrest.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged Trump’s remarks in a post on X (formerly Twitter), reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to counterterrorism and pledging to continue close cooperation with the United States.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt revealed that US intelligence-sharing played a key role in securing Sharifullah’s confession.
“The Trump administration shared critical intelligence with Pakistani authorities, leading to his confession before Pakistani officials,” she said.
Leavitt added that this success underscores the value of US-Pakistan collaboration in counterterrorism. “President Trump has brought justice to the families of 13 American heroes,” she concluded.
