US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that the individual responsible for the 2021 Abbey Gate bombing had been arrested with Pakistan’s assistance. The suspect is now being extradited to the United States to face justice.
The attack at Kabul’s airport during the chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan killed 13 US service members and approximately 170 Afghan civilians. The militant Islamic State (IS) group claimed responsibility for the bombing.
Trump’s Address to Congress
Trump made the announcement during his first address to Congress since returning to the White House for a second term. “Tonight, I am pleased to announce that we have just apprehended the top terrorist responsible for that atrocity, and he is on his way here to face the swift sword of American justice,” he said.
He thanked Pakistan for its role in the capture, stating, “I want to thank especially the government of Pakistan for helping arrest this monster.”
Trump also emphasized his personal connection with the victims’ families. “I spoke to many of the parents and loved ones, and they’re all in our hearts tonight,” he said.
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PM Shehbaz Confirms Arrest
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed the arrest in a post on X. He identified the suspect as Sharifullah, a “top tier operational commander” of the IS-KP chapter.
“The wanted terrorist was apprehended in a successful operation conducted in the Pakistan-Afghan border region,” he stated. He also noted that Sharifullah was an Afghan national.
Pakistan’s Counterterrorism Efforts
Shehbaz thanked Trump for acknowledging Pakistan’s counterterrorism role. “As is well-known, Pakistan has always played a critical role in counterterrorism efforts aimed at denying safe havens to terrorists,” he said.
He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to fighting terrorism, highlighting the sacrifices of over 80,000 soldiers and civilians. “The resolve of our leadership and our people remains unflinching to eradicate the menace of terrorism,” he stressed.
How the Arrest Was Made
According to US media reports, the arrest resulted from close collaboration between the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Sharifullah, also known as “Jafar,” was captured near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border after the CIA provided precise intelligence on his location.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe reportedly raised the issue with ISI Chief Lt. Gen. Asim Malik soon after taking office. The two intelligence heads later met at the Munich Security Conference in February to discuss cooperation.
Pakistan deployed an elite unit to capture Sharifullah based on intelligence shared by the CIA. Following his arrest, Ratcliffe and FBI Director Kash Patel coordinated with ISI officials for his extradition.
US Officials Welcome Extradition
CNN reported that Sharifullah was being extradited to the US. Axios confirmed he was expected to arrive on Wednesday.
FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on X: “One step closer to justice for these American heroes and their families.” US Attorney General Pam Bondi added, “We hope this brings some closure to the families of the 13 American Heroes lost at Abbey Gate.”
The successful arrest and extradition could signal a shift in US-Pakistan intelligence cooperation, following years of strained relations.
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