Washington, D.C. – Mohammad Sharifullah, an alleged operative of the militant Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) group, appeared in a US federal court on Wednesday after being arrested in Pakistan. Sharifullah is accused of assisting in the 2021 suicide bombing at Kabul airport that claimed the lives of 13 US service members and at least 170 Afghan civilians.
Sharifullah, also known as Jafar, was presented before a court in Alexandria, Virginia, where he was officially assigned a public defender and provided an interpreter. He did not enter a plea, and his next court appearance is scheduled for March 10. He remains in custody pending further proceedings.
Confession and Charges
According to the US Justice Department, Sharifullah admitted to scouting the route to the airport on the day of the attack. He later learned that the bomber, whom he had known from prior incarceration, had carried out the devastating attack at the Abbey Gate of Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA).
The Justice Department has charged Sharifullah with “providing and conspiring to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization resulting in death.” If convicted, he could face life imprisonment.
US and Pakistan Cooperation in Counterterrorism
Sharifullah was detained by Pakistani authorities before being extradited to the United States. President Donald Trump, in an address to Congress, hailed the arrest, calling him “the top terrorist responsible for that atrocity.” Trump also thanked Islamabad for its assistance, stating, “This was a very momentous day for the 13 families whose children were murdered on that fateful day.”
US Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a statement declaring, “This evil ISIS-K terrorist orchestrated the brutal murder of 13 heroic Marines.”
During a press briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan highlighted a conversation between Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and US National Security Adviser Michael Waltz, during which the US expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts. Khan reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to continued cooperation with the US in combatting terrorism.
Links to Other Attacks
The Justice Department also revealed that Sharifullah had admitted to involvement in other terror plots. Notably, he allegedly provided instructions on the use of firearms and other weapons to perpetrators of the March 2024 Moscow Crocus City Hall attack.
Broader Implications
Sharifullah’s arrest has renewed discussions on Pakistan’s strategic role in regional security. While Pakistan has reiterated its commitment to counterterrorism, tensions with Afghanistan remain high, with Islamabad accusing Kabul of harboring IS-K operatives. The Afghan Taliban government, in response, has claimed that IS-K elements reside on Pakistani soil.
IS-K has continued to expand its global reach, executing several high-profile attacks, including the 2023 bombing in Iran that killed over 90 people. Experts believe Pakistan is leveraging concerns over IS-K’s threat to enhance security cooperation with the US.
Moving Forward
As Sharifullah’s legal proceedings continue, the US government has vowed to hold all individuals responsible for the Kabul airport attack accountable. His case underscores the persistent threat of IS-K and the importance of international collaboration in counterterrorism efforts.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed appreciation for Trump’s acknowledgment of Pakistan’s role in apprehending Sharifullah, reaffirming Pakistan’s dedication to peace and stability in the region.
With Sharifullah in US custody, authorities remain vigilant in dismantling IS-K networks and preventing future attacks.
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