US Military Commends Pakistan for Arresting Sharifullah

US Military Lauds Pakistan for Arresting Daesh Leader Sharifullah – Strengthening Counterterrorism Cooperation

Washington/Karachi – March 09, 2025: The United States Central Command (US Centcom) has officially expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its role in the arrest of Mohammad Sharifullah, a key suspect in the 2021 Kabul Airport bombing. The arrest marks a significant milestone in the ongoing US-Pakistan counterterrorism partnership, highlighting the nations’ shared commitment to eradicating global terrorism.

In a statement released via its official Urdu handle on X (formerly Twitter), US Centcom acknowledged Pakistan’s vital role in bringing the militant to justice. “We are grateful to Pakistan for its cooperation in the arrest of Sharifullah, the mastermind behind the Abbey Gate attack at Kabul Airport,” read the statement.

This appreciation comes after former US President Donald Trump initially announced the suspect’s capture during an address to a joint session of Congress. Trump had hailed the arrest as “a monumental victory for justice and a significant day for the victims’ families.”

Who is Mohammad Sharifullah?

Mohammad Sharifullah, also known as Jafar, is a high-profile Daesh-Khorasan (ISIS-K) operative. He was responsible for planning and coordinating the deadly August 2021 suicide bombing at Kabul’s Abbey Gate, which resulted in the deaths of at least 170 Afghan civilians and 13 US troops during the chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan.

According to intelligence reports, Sharifullah played a pivotal role in scouting routes to the airport to facilitate the attack. He was arrested in Pakistan based on intelligence provided by the United States’ Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The US Justice Department revealed that Sharifullah had also been involved in several other terrorist activities, including the March 2024 Moscow Crocus City Hall attack.

Pakistan’s Role in Counterterrorism

Pakistan has long been a key ally in the global war on terror, providing crucial intelligence and support to international efforts. The arrest of Sharifullah highlights Pakistan’s proactive stance in combating terrorism and maintaining regional stability.

Islamabad’s cooperation with US intelligence agencies has strengthened counterterrorism efforts, ensuring that extremist networks operating in the region are dismantled. The US Centcom emphasized that both nations have a “common interest in the war on terrorism” and must continue working together to eliminate security threats.

The Impact of Sharifullah’s Arrest on Global Security

Experts believe that the arrest of Sharifullah is a major breakthrough in disrupting ISIS-K’s operational structure. Security analysts note that removing key figures from terrorist networks significantly weakens their ability to launch large-scale attacks.

Additionally, Sharifullah’s confession in a Virginia court has provided intelligence agencies with critical insights into the operations of extremist groups. His admission of aiding attackers by sharing weapons training instructions via video has further exposed the global reach of terrorist organizations.

US-Pakistan Relations and the Future of Counterterrorism

The recent developments have reinforced US-Pakistan diplomatic ties, particularly in the realm of counterterrorism. While both nations have had differences in the past regarding security policies, collaborations like these underscore the necessity of joint efforts against extremist threats.

Political analysts suggest that such cooperation could lead to stronger intelligence-sharing agreements, increased military collaboration, and enhanced security measures in both countries.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Sharifullah’s Arrest

Q1: Who is Mohammad Sharifullah?

A: Mohammad Sharifullah, also known as Jafar, is a Daesh-Khorasan (ISIS-K) militant responsible for the 2021 Kabul Airport attack and other terror activities.

Q2: How was Sharifullah arrested?

A: He was arrested in Pakistan based on intelligence provided by the CIA and was later transferred to the United States for trial.

Q3: Why is the US military thanking Pakistan?

A: The US military, particularly Centcom, has acknowledged Pakistan’s role in Sharifullah’s capture, emphasizing their shared interest in fighting terrorism.

Q4: What was the impact of the Kabul Airport bombing?

A: The attack led to the deaths of 170 Afghan civilians and 13 US troops, making it one of the deadliest incidents during the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Q5: How will this arrest affect US-Pakistan relations?

A: It strengthens counterterrorism cooperation and reinforces the necessity of intelligence-sharing between the two nations.

Q6: Has Sharifullah been charged in court?

A: Yes, he has been presented before a court in Virginia, where he admitted involvement in various terrorist attacks.

Conclusion

The capture of Mohammad Sharifullah is a landmark event in the ongoing battle against terrorism. Pakistan’s role in his arrest has not only earned international recognition but also reinforced its position as a crucial ally in global security. Moving forward, enhanced US-Pakistan cooperation could play a pivotal role in eliminating terrorism from the region and beyond.