U.S. officials confirm the extradition of Mohammad Sharifullah, captured in a joint operation, as a mastermind behind the Abbey Gate bombing that killed 13 American servicemen in August 2021. The incident occurred during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, where a suicide bomber detonated explosives at a crowded airport entrance. Statements from President Biden and President Trump highlight ongoing political debates surrounding the withdrawal process and subsequent consequences.

U.S. officials have confirmed that Mohammad Sharifullah is being extradited to the United States in relation to the August 2021 suicide bombing at Abbey Gate, Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul. This tragic incident resulted in the deaths of 13 American service members and approximately 170 Afghan civilians amid the U.S. forces’ withdrawal from Afghanistan. Sharifullah was apprehended in a joint operation carried out by Pakistani intelligence and the Central Intelligence Agency about ten days ago.

Sources indicate that Sharifullah is identified as a commander for the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISIS-K) and is one of the two primary figures responsible for orchestrating the bombing. The announcement of his capture was made by President Trump during a joint address to Congress, who expressed gratitude towards the Pakistani government for their cooperation. Axios was the first to report on Sharifullah’s involvement.

The Pentagon, in its assessment, has resolved that the suicide bomber, identified as Abdul Rahman al-Logari, was likewise affiliated with ISIS-K. This explosion occurred as large numbers of individuals crowded the airport seeking to escape following the Taliban’s takeover. Meanwhile, President Biden had previously declared intentions for retribution after the bombing, stating, “We will not forgive. We will not forget. We will hunt you down and make you pay.”

In a related political context, during the same Congressional address, President Trump criticized both President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris regarding the withdrawal strategies employed in Afghanistan, attributing subsequent global tensions, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, to those decisions. A Department of Defense review asserted that the bombing “could not have been preventable at the tactical level,” reaffirming previous findings regarding the operational context leading to the incident.

In summary, the extradition of Mohammad Sharifullah marks a significant development in the ongoing pursuit of justice for the Abbey Gate bombing, which devastated many lives. His association with ISIS-K raises critical security concerns. This event has reignited discussions on the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and its ramifications, as political leaders seek accountability amidst charged narratives surrounding this complex issue.

Original Source: www.cbsnews.com

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