Trump Thanks Pakistan for Arresting ISKP Commander Mohammad Sharifullah, Kabul Airport Bombing Suspect

Washington/Islamabad – United States President Donald Trump has publicly thanked Pakistan for its assistance in apprehending an Afghan national allegedly involved in planning the deadly Kabul airport bombing in August 2021.

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In his address to Congress on Tuesday night, Trump announced that the suspect, identified as Mohammad Sharifullah, had been captured in an operation conducted near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and was now in U.S. custody.

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“Tonight, 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. And I want to thank especially the government of Pakistan for helping arrest this monster,” Trump stated.

Pakistan’s Role in the Arrest

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged Trump’s remarks and expressed Pakistan’s commitment to counterterrorism efforts in the region.

“Pakistan has always played a critical role in denying safe havens to terrorists. The arrest of Sharifullah is proof of our unwavering resolve to fight terrorism and ensure regional stability,” Sharif wrote on social media platform X.

According to intelligence sources, Pakistani security forces began tracking Sharifullah after receiving intelligence from the U.S. The operation was carried out in late February in the border region, leading to his capture and subsequent extradition to the U.S.

Background on the Kabul Airport Bombing

On August 26, 2021, a suicide bombing at the Abbey Gate of Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul killed nearly 200 people, including 13 U.S. service members. The attack, claimed by ISIS-Khorasan Province (ISKP), occurred during the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan as thousands of people were attempting to flee the country following the Taliban’s takeover.

The U.S. later admitted to mistakenly conducting a retaliatory drone strike that killed 10 Afghan civilians, including children. The tragedy drew widespread criticism and fueled further tensions regarding America’s exit strategy from Afghanistan.

Who Is Mohammad Sharifullah?

Mohammad Sharifullah, also known as Jafar, is believed to be a key commander of ISKP. Intelligence reports indicate that he played a significant role in planning and facilitating the Kabul airport attack.

A senior Pakistani government source, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated:

“He was arrested near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in an operation solely conducted by Pakistani security agencies. After his arrest, he was extradited to the U.S. for due process.”

The arrest marks a major counterterrorism success for both the U.S. and Pakistan, reinforcing cooperation in tackling terrorist threats in the region.

Implications for U.S.-Pakistan Relations

The relationship between Washington and Islamabad has faced challenges in recent years, particularly after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. However, analysts believe this recent counterterrorism cooperation could signal a shift.

Maleeha Lodhi, Pakistan’s former ambassador to the U.S., noted:

“Despite the lack of sufficient engagement at the political level, military-to-military ties continue to be strong. Trump’s acknowledgment of Pakistan’s role presents an opportunity to explore how the relationship can be rebuilt and redefined.”

Similarly, international affairs expert Qamar Cheema stated:

“This operation shows that Pakistan remains a key player in regional security. The U.S. administration now acknowledges Pakistan’s role, something that was less visible during the Biden administration.”

Looking Ahead

The capture of Sharifullah may lead to further counterterrorism cooperation between Pakistan and the U.S., particularly in dealing with threats from ISKP and other militant groups. While Trump’s gratitude toward Pakistan signals a positive development, experts caution that broader diplomatic efforts are needed to reset the two nations’ strained ties.

For now, the arrest of a key suspect behind one of the deadliest attacks on U.S. forces in recent history serves as a significant milestone in the ongoing fight against terrorism.