ISIS Terrorist Sharifullah Presented in Virginia Court
Sharifullah Confesses to Assisting Kabul Attack: U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. President Thanks Pakistan for Cooperation in Counterterrorism Efforts in Afghanistan
Virginia (Web News): Pakistan has handed over ISIS terrorist Sharifullah to the United States, where he was presented in a Virginia court for an initial hearing. According to U.S. officials, a detailed hearing of the case will take place on Monday. Sharifullah utilized translation services to communicate with the judge. He is one of two suspects involved in the Kabul attack.
FBI Director Kash Patel stated on X that the arrested terrorist, Sharifullah, was involved in the killing of U.S. soldiers. He emphasized that the suspect has now arrived to face American justice and expressed gratitude to their partners and the brave officers of the agency.
U.S. President Thanks Pakistan for Cooperation in Counterterrorism Efforts in Afghanistan
U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed gratitude to the Pakistani government for its cooperation in counterterrorism efforts in Afghanistan.
In his longest address to Congress since assuming office, Trump stated that they are against extremist terrorism. He expressed happiness in announcing that a major terrorist responsible for violence in Afghanistan has been captured.
Trump specifically thanked Pakistan for assisting in the arrest of this terrorist, stating:
“Three and a half years ago, ISIS killed 13 Americans in Afghanistan. The terrorist responsible for killing Americans in Afghanistan is now being brought to the U.S. to face justice.”
During his speech, Trump also criticized the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, calling it extremely shameful. He warned that such a decision could negatively impact America’s position and security policies.
According to a Western news agency, Pakistan arrested an ISIS commander based on intelligence provided by its secret agency. This individual was reportedly involved in the horrific terrorist plot carried out during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
The report states that the terrorist attack at Kabul Airport’s Abbey Gate on August 26, 2021, resulted in the deaths of 13 U.S. soldiers and 170 Afghan civilians.
Mohammad Sharifullah, also known as Jafar, was allegedly among the ISIS leaders who orchestrated this attack. He was arrested by Pakistani intelligence and subsequently handed over to U.S. authorities, who were scheduled to bring him to the U.S. on Wednesday.
A U.S. official told the news agency that Sharifullah was the mastermind behind this act of terrorism.
After assuming office, President Trump directed CIA Director John Ratcliffe to prioritize the capture of those involved in the Abbey Gate attack. Within two days of taking charge, Ratcliffe raised this issue with senior Pakistani officials. Additionally, during the Munich Security Conference in February, a senior Pakistani security official discussed the matter.
However, when the Pakistani Embassy in Washington was contacted for comment on the matter, they did not provide a response.
Prime Minister: U.S. President’s Statement Recognizes Pakistan’s Sacrifices in the Fight Against Terrorism
Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stated that the U.S. President’s remarks acknowledge Pakistan’s sacrifices in the war against terrorism.
In his statement, Shehbaz Sharif welcomed Trump’s comments, emphasizing that Pakistan has played a crucial role in combating terrorism. He noted that Trump’s remarks are a recognition of Pakistan’s efforts and sacrifices in counterterrorism.
He stated that Pakistan has lost 80,000 lives in the fight against terrorism, and the international community should acknowledge these sacrifices.
Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed that Pakistan has always played a key role in counterterrorism efforts to eliminate terrorist groups and prevent them from launching attacks against any country.
The Prime Minister further emphasized that Pakistan’s leadership and its people remain resolute in eradicating terrorism, and that Pakistan’s partnership with the U.S. for regional peace and stability will continue.
Trump, in his address to Congress, reiterated his gratitude towards Pakistan, stating that the major terrorist responsible for attacks in Afghanistan has been apprehended.
Sharifullah Confesses to Assisting Kabul Attack: U.S. Department of Justice
Washington: The U.S. Department of Justice has issued a statement regarding the arrest of ISIS terrorist Sharifullah.
According to the statement, Sharifullah confessed to the FBI that he assisted in the Kabul attack. He also identified two out of four arrested attackers.
U.S. officials stated that Sharifullah specifically monitored law enforcement agencies and security checkpoints operated by both U.S. and Taliban forces. He is scheduled to appear in a Virginia court on March 5, 2025.
The Department of Justice further stated that Sharifullah has been charged with conspiring to carry out a destructive attack and providing financial support to a terrorist organization.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also thanked Pakistan for capturing the terrorist leader.
He stated that the mastermind behind the Kabul Airport attack was apprehended through joint efforts between the U.S. and Pakistan.
The Secretary of Defense highlighted that American intelligence agencies provided crucial information, and Pakistan successfully arrested the terrorist leader, for which the U.S. remains grateful.