CNN —
President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday night that the U.S. is bringing a “top terrorist” to face justice. This individual is linked to the tragic bombing at the Abbey Gate of Kabul airport in 2021, which resulted in the deaths of 13 American service members and over 170 Afghan civilians.
Mohammad Sharifullah is accused of planning this bombing during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021. He is now being transported to the U.S. and will face charges for providing support to terrorism.
“Tonight, I am pleased to announce that we have just apprehended the top terrorist responsible for that atrocity,” Trump stated in his address to Congress. He emphasized that Sharifullah is on his way to the U.S. to receive justice.
The arrest of Sharifullah was made possible by intelligence from the CIA, leading to action by Pakistani security forces. Trump expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its help in capturing this dangerous individual.
In response, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked Trump for recognizing Pakistan’s role in combating terrorism in Afghanistan. He stated that Sharifullah was apprehended near the Pakistan-Afghan border.
Sharifullah’s capture is a significant step in improving security in the region. In his speech, Trump critiqued President Joe Biden’s handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal, reiterating his commitment to the families of those who lost their lives in the bombing.
According to an unsealed indictment, Sharifullah has been charged in Virginia for his role in providing support to a foreign terrorist organization. During his arrest, he reportedly admitted to being recruited by ISIS-K in 2016 and admitted to conducting activities that supported multiple deadly attacks.
He had served time in prison until just weeks before the bombing and was contacted by ISIS for assistance following his release. Documents reveal that Sharifullah was responsible for scouting a route for an attacker near Hamid Karzai International Airport, ensuring it was clear of checkpoints.
On the day of the bombing, he recognized the attacker as an ISIS-K operative he had known while incarcerated. His involvement didn’t stop there; he is also accused of participating in past attacks, including providing training for those involved in a nightclub attack in Moscow.
Trump’s administration celebrated Sharifullah’s arrest. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the extradition of this terrorist and viewed it as a step closer to justice for the victims and their families.
The arrest marks a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and hold those responsible for such acts accountable.
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