Trump Acknowledges Pakistan’s Role in Capturing Kabul Airport Attack Master
In his first address to Congress after assuming office, U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged Pakistan’s assistance in capturing the mastermind behind the 2021 Kabul Airport attack that claimed the lives of 13 U.S. military personnel and approximately 160 Afghan civilians. Trump expressed his gratitude to the Pakistani government for its cooperation in the counterterrorism operation.
The Kabul Airport Attack and its Aftermath
On August 26, 2021, a suicide bombing at the Abbey Gate of Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport left a devastating impact. The attack, claimed by the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISIS-K), targeted thousands of Afghan civilians attempting to flee the country as U.S. forces completed their withdrawal from Afghanistan.
For years, the U.S. intelligence community worked to track down those responsible. In April 2023, U.S. officials indicated that the Taliban had eliminated the suspected mastermind of the attack, but they provided no conclusive evidence.
Trump’s Announcement and Pakistan’s Role
During his speech, Trump stated, “I am pleased to announce that we have captured the primary culprit behind the Kabul Airport bombing. This individual is now on his way to face swift American justice. I extend my gratitude to the Pakistani government for their crucial support in this mission.”
Pakistani security sources confirmed that the individual, identified as Muhammad Sharifullah, a senior ISIS-K commander, was apprehended in a covert operation near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. The operation, reportedly carried out in collaboration between the CIA and Pakistan’s intelligence agency, ISI, marks a significant milestone in U.S.-Pakistan counterterrorism efforts.
Reactions from Pakistan and the International Community
Following Trump’s acknowledgment, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif responded, stating, “We appreciate President Trump’s recognition of Pakistan’s longstanding commitment to counterterrorism. Pakistan remains dedicated to ensuring that no terrorist group finds safe haven within our borders.”
Pakistan has suffered significant losses in its fight against terrorism, with over 80,000 military personnel and civilians losing their lives in the past two decades. The country has repeatedly emphasized its efforts to combat militancy and maintain regional stability.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
The U.S. Department of Justice confirmed that Sharifullah has been charged with providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and conspiracy to commit mass murder. He is scheduled to appear in a Virginia court on March 5, 2025. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment.
FBI Director Kashyap Patel stated on social media, “Tonight, the FBI, DOJ, and CIA successfully brought one of the Kabul Airport attack perpetrators to the U.S. for prosecution. Justice is one step closer for the families of the 13 American heroes we lost that day.”
The capture of Sharifullah is expected to bolster U.S.-Pakistan relations in counterterrorism cooperation, a critical aspect of regional security amid rising threats from extremist factions.
Implications for Regional Security
Analysts suggest that this development could reshape U.S. engagement with Pakistan, particularly in intelligence sharing and counterterrorism initiatives. It also underscores the ongoing challenges in preventing the resurgence of militant groups in Afghanistan.
As legal proceedings move forward, the global counterterrorism community will be watching closely, recognizing the significance of international cooperation in dismantling extremist networks and ensuring justice for those affected by terrorism.
