The United States has praised Pakistan’s cooperation in the arrest and extradition of Daesh-K terrorist Mohammad Sharifullah, with the State Department calling the partnership on counter-terrorism “vital” following the high-profile operation.
Sharifullah, also known as Jafar, was apprehended by Pakistani authorities and handed over to the US, where he faces terrorism charges for his alleged role in the deadly 2021 Kabul airport bombing during the American military withdrawal from Afghanistan.
“We are grateful to the Government of Pakistan for their cooperation in bringing Mohammad Sharifullah to justice,” State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said during a Washington press briefing, underscoring the joint counter-terrorism commitment between the two nations.
Bruce emphasized that the arrest highlights the importance of continued US-Pakistan cooperation in combating global terrorism.
According to the US Justice Department, Sharifullah scouted the route to Kabul airport before the suicide bombing that killed at least 170 Afghans and 13 US troops at Abbey Gate. He appeared in a Virginia court following his extradition but did not enter a plea. His next hearing is scheduled for Monday.
President Donald Trump announced the arrest in an address to Congress, describing Sharifullah as “the top terrorist responsible for that atrocity” and thanked Pakistan for its assistance.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged Trump’s remarks in a post on X, reaffirming Pakistan’s dedication to working closely with the US in the fight against terrorism.
Sharifullah faces charges of providing and conspiring to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization resulting in death.
