Shareefullah Presented in U.S. Court: Key Suspect in 2021 Kabul Airport Bombing, Arrested in Joint CIA-ISI Operation
Washington, D.C. – In a significant development, U.S. authorities have presented Shareefullah, a key suspect in the 2021 Kabul airport bombing, before a federal court in Virginia. Shareefullah, also known as Jafar, is accused of playing a crucial role in orchestrating the deadly attack at Hamid Karzai International Airport’s Abbey Gate, which killed 13 U.S. service members and approximately 170 Afghan civilians during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
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Arrest and Extradition
Shareefullah was arrested in a joint operation conducted by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). According to senior U.S. officials, the suspect was tracked for months before his precise location was identified near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. On March 2, 2025, he was charged with providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, conspiracy to commit murder, and aiding in terrorist activities.
After his capture, Pakistan facilitated his extradition to the United States, where he was formally indicted. Shareefullah made his first court appearance on March 5, 2025, dressed in a blue prison uniform. The judge informed him that if convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of life in prison. The court also assigned him a defense attorney, and an official translator was present during the proceedings.
Role in the Kabul Airport Bombing
According to FBI investigations, Shareefullah was a commander within ISIS-K (Islamic State-Khorasan Province), an affiliate of ISIS that has carried out multiple attacks in Afghanistan and neighboring countries. Intelligence reports suggest that he was directly involved in planning the Kabul airport attack by identifying a safe route for the suicide bomber to reach the crowded Abbey Gate entrance without detection. He also allegedly provided logistical support and guidance to the bomber, Abdul Rahman Al-Logari, who detonated an explosive device in the midst of evacuating civilians and military personnel.
The Kabul airport bombing, which occurred on August 26, 2021, was one of the deadliest attacks during the chaotic final days of the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan. The attack heightened tensions and prompted President Joe Biden to pledge retaliation against the perpetrators.
Links to Previous Attacks and ISIS-K Leadership
Investigators believe Shareefullah has been involved in multiple ISIS-K operations since 2016. He was reportedly a close associate of ISIS-K leader Shahab al-Muhajir and played a role in at least 21 attacks across Afghanistan. Intelligence sources indicate that Shareefullah was arrested by Afghan security forces in 2019 but escaped from prison in 2021 when the Taliban seized control of Kabul.
In addition to the Kabul airport bombing, U.S. authorities have linked him to the March 2024 terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall in Moscow. Reports suggest that he provided training and operational guidance to militants involved in that attack.
U.S. and Pakistan Cooperation in Counterterrorism
The joint CIA-ISI operation that led to Shareefullah’s capture highlights ongoing counterterrorism cooperation between the U.S. and Pakistan. Following his arrest, U.S. officials, including CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Attorney General Pam Bondi, coordinated with Pakistani intelligence to expedite his transfer to American custody.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, in a recent address to Congress, acknowledged Pakistan’s role in the arrest and thanked the country for its assistance. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that Shareefullah was apprehended in a border region and handed over to U.S. authorities after due process.
Legal Proceedings and Potential Sentence
During his court appearance, Shareefullah remained silent, communicating only through his translator. Prosecutors presented preliminary evidence indicating his direct involvement in planning the Kabul bombing. The prosecution emphasized that he provided crucial assistance to ISIS-K in targeting American troops and Afghan civilians during the evacuation.
Legal experts suggest that if convicted, Shareefullah could receive a life sentence under U.S. federal law. The next hearing is scheduled for later this month, where additional evidence, including intelligence gathered from his interrogation, is expected to be presented.
Impact on Global Counterterrorism Efforts
Shareefullah’s arrest and prosecution mark a major milestone in the fight against ISIS-K and global terrorism. U.S. defense officials assert that his capture has disrupted ISIS-K’s operational network and weakened its ability to carry out large-scale attacks. The move also sends a strong message to other extremist groups that those responsible for attacks against U.S. forces and civilians will face justice.
While ISIS-K remains a potent threat in Afghanistan and beyond, counterterrorism experts believe that Shareefullah’s arrest could lead to further intelligence breakthroughs, potentially exposing other high-ranking militants.
Conclusion
As Shareefullah’s legal proceedings continue in the U.S., the case underscores the ongoing efforts of international intelligence agencies to combat terrorism. The Kabul airport bombing remains a tragic event in recent history, but the apprehension of one of its key architects brings a measure of accountability and justice for the victims and their families. The world now watches as the U.S. judicial system decides the fate of a man accused of orchestrating one of the deadliest attacks of the 21st century.
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