WASHINGTON: The United States publicly acknowledged Pakistan’s critical role in the capture of an Afghan ISIS operative accused of orchestrating the deadly 2021 Abbey Gate bombing in Kabul, which killed 13 American troops and more than 160 Afghan civilians. During a press briefing on Thursday, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed the arrest of Mohammad Sharifullah, a high-profile ISIS-K planner now detained in U.S. custody.
Bruce emphasized that Pakistan’s collaboration was pivotal in the operation, stating, “We extend our sincere appreciation to the Pakistani government for their partnership in ensuring Sharifullah is held accountable.” The remarks followed an earlier announcement by former President Donald Trump, who addressed Congress to highlight the terrorist’s capture.
The spokesperson underscored the broader significance of the arrest, noting that counterterrorism remains a cornerstone of U.S.-Pakistan relations. “This operation exemplifies our shared commitment to combating threats that endanger both our nations and regional stability,” Bruce added. “Effective cooperation, as seen in this case, continues to be vital to our mutual security goals.”
Sharifullah’s arrest marks a breakthrough in the years-long investigation into the suicide bombing at Hamid Karzai International Airport during the U.S. military’s withdrawal from Afghanistan. The attack, claimed by ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K), remains one of the deadliest incidents for American forces in the conflict’s final phase.
The State Department reaffirmed its intent to deepen counterterrorism ties with Pakistan, describing the arrest as a testament to the “enduring importance” of bilateral efforts to dismantle extremist networks in the region.
