WASHINGTON (AP) – A significant development in the aftermath of the suicide bombing at Kabul airport, which claimed the lives of 13 American service members, has emerged. President Donald Trump announced the apprehension of a suspected senior planner behind the attack, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing pursuit of justice for the victims and their families. The suspect, identified as Muhammed Sharifullah, is currently being transported to the United States to face charges related to the bombing that occurred during the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
In a joint address to Congress, Trump expressed his satisfaction with the arrest, stating, "I am pleased to announce that we have just apprehended the top terrorist responsible for that atrocity. And he is right now on his way here to face the swift sword of American justice." The White House has confirmed Sharifullah's involvement as the orchestrator of the Abbey Gate attack, which not only resulted in the deaths of American servicemen but also claimed the lives of 170 Afghans and left many more injured.
The FBI Director, Kash Patel, who was present during Trump’s address, took to social media to emphasize the significance of the arrest, stating it brings the U.S. "one step closer to justice for these American heroes and their families." A senior U.S. official revealed that Sharifullah, also known as Jafar, had been apprehended late last month at the Afghanistan-Pakistan border by Pakistani authorities. Following his capture, he was interrogated by U.S. law enforcement, where he reportedly confessed to his role in the Abbey Gate attack as well as a subsequent ISIS-K attack in Moscow in March 2024 and several attacks within Iran.
As of now, the specific charges Sharifullah will face remain unclear. The U.S. official, who requested anonymity, indicated that formal charging documents would be unsealed on Wednesday, while Sharifullah was en route to the U.S. at the time of Trump's announcement. The Justice Department has not yet responded to requests for comments regarding the case.
The Abbey Gate bombing, which transpired during the final phases of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, was a stark moment of tragedy that prompted widespread criticism of President Biden's administration. In addition to the 13 U.S. service members lost, approximately 170 Afghans were killed and numerous others were wounded. A review conducted last year by U.S. Central Command concluded that the suicide bombing could not have been preventable, attributing responsibility to Abdul Rahman al-Logari, an Islamic State militant released from Afghan custody by the Taliban as they regained control of the country in the summer of 2021.
In the wake of these events, Trump has consistently criticized Biden's handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal and has directly linked the Abbey Gate attack to the administration's actions. The apprehension of Sharifullah, according to the official, was facilitated by enhanced coordination among U.S. intelligence agencies, greater intelligence sharing, and increased pressure on regional partners to hold those responsible for the attack accountable since Trump took office.
