Key Suspect in 2021 Abbey Gate Bombing Has Been Arrested

The arrest of Mohammad Sharifullah has sparked widespread attention as he faces charges linked to the devastating 2021 Abbey Gate bombing.

Quick Takes

Mohammad Sharifullah, alias “Jafar,” has been charged with aiding ISIS-K.
He faces life imprisonment if convicted.
The charges are related to the 2021 Kabul airport bombing that killed 13 U.S. service members.

The Arrest of Mohammad Sharifullah

U.S. authorities have arrested Mohammad Sharifullah, also known as “Jafar,” suspected of providing support to ISIS-K. President Donald Trump announced this without naming the suspect during a recent congressional address, after which details were revealed in a Department of Justice press release. The arrest follows years of investigations into Sharifullah’s alleged involvement in the 2021 Kabul airport bombing, which caused the deaths of 13 U.S. military personnel. Sharifullah appeared in court in Virginia on March 5, 2025 after being extradited to the U.S.

Sharifullah allegedly admitted to aiding ISIS-K by scouting attack routes and supporting the group in previous attacks, including a 2016 Kabul bombing. If found guilty, Sharifullah faces life imprisonment. Authorities highlight his coordination with ISIS-K as being central to the August 26, 2021 attack during the U.S. troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Who is Mohammad Sharifullah, ISIS-K member allegedly behind Kabul airport bombing? https://t.co/aiZKNsEdBa

— The Hill (@thehill) March 5, 2025

Allegations and Admissions

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) accuses Sharifullah of orchestrating attacks on Western targets, further linking him to ISIS-K operations. “This evil ISIS-K terrorist orchestrated the brutal murder of 13 heroic Marines,” stated Attorney General Pamela Bondi in relation to Sharifullah’s alleged crimes.

Sharifullah also reportedly confessed to assisting in a 2024 Moscow attack that resulted in over 130 casualties. His ties to ISIS-K date back to 2016, marking a lengthy history of alleged terror-related activities. His arrest was facilitated with Pakistani cooperation based on CIA intelligence, illustrating international collaboration in counterterrorism efforts.

The Role of International Collaboration

In his speech on Tuesday, Trump highlighted Pakistan’s crucial role in apprehending Sharifullah, thanking their government for assistance. He expressed gratitude to Pakistan for helping catch the “monster” and referred to it as a “momentous day” for those impacted by the deadly attack. FBI Director Kash Patel also noted the efforts of the FBI, DOJ, and CIA in having Sharifullah extradited.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys alongside DOJ’s National Security Division.